Blog

When to Plant Aronia in Dillingham Census Area, AK

Aronia (chokeberry) is an extremely hardy native shrub producing astringent dark berries rich in antioxidants. The berries are typically processed into juice, jam, or wine.

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.

At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Aronia to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Aronia root diseases.

Dillingham Census Area, AK (Zone 3a) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6

Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Dillingham Census Area

How your county's soil matches Aronia's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0โ€“6.2) is within Aronia's preferred range (5.0โ€“7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Aronia โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Aronia.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) โ€” Aronia will thrive.

How to Plant Aronia

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Aronia needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Aronia Planting Timeline โ€” Dillingham Census Area, AK

Aronia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jun 12

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 3a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

128 days in Dillingham Census Area

Growing Tips for Aronia in Dillingham Census Area

Your 128.0-day growing season in Dillingham Census Area is tight for Aronia (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Plant in full sun for best fruiting. Very adaptable to soil types. Minimal pest and disease problems. Harvest berries in fall when fully black. Suckers can be divided for propagation.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Aronia in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Aronia planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dillingham Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.