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When to Plant Popcorn in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska (99721)

Location

Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska

ZIP Code

99721

USDA Zone

2b

Last Frost

Thursday, May 28, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Based on last frost Thursday, May 28, 2026 · Zone 2b

Pro tip: Sow Popcorn directly outdoors 2 weeks after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Zea mays everta
Days to Maturity 100 days
Mature Height 48-84"
Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days

Ready to Plant Popcorn in Anaktuvuk Pass?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, June 11, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeanSquashCucumber

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

TomatoSweet Corn (cross-pollination)
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Popcorn

See which plants help Popcorn thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🔴 Difficult
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let ears dry completely on the stalk past frost. Kernels should be rock-hard before harvesting.

Processing

Husk dried ears, shell kernels, cure 6–8 weeks in a warm, ventilated space before sealing in containers.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Wind-pollinated — requires 1000-foot isolation from sweet corn and other corn types. Under-dried popcorn won't pop.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Popcorn. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Popcorn in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska? +

In Anaktuvuk Pass (Zone 2b), direct sow Popcorn outdoors around Thursday, June 11, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska (ZIP 99721) is around Thursday, May 28, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2b.

How long does Popcorn take to grow? +

Popcorn typically matures in about 100 days from direct sowing. In Anaktuvuk Pass, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, June 11, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Popcorn indoors or direct sow in Alaska? +

Popcorn does best when direct sown outdoors. In Anaktuvuk Pass, sow directly around Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Other Plants for Anaktuvuk Pass

Growing Popcorn in Zone 2b

Popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a popular garden vegetable. In Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2b, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, May 28, 2026. Popcorn grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.