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When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Dillingham Census Area County,

In Dillingham Census Area County, Bleeding Hearts is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 15–May 29 for an 90-day harvest, finishing well before the September 6 first frost.

When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Dillingham Census Area, AK

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska Zone 4b June

What to do in June

Each item below is timed to Dillingham Census Area, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Soil temp (4") 58°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure Moderate
Daylight 18.4 hrs

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Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. 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 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bleeding Hearts to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bleeding Hearts root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Dillingham Census Area, AK (Zone 4b) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6
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Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Bleeding Hearts Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 29 🌸 Bloom: Jun 24 – Aug 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 29 🌸 Bloom: Jun 24 – Aug 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 29 🌸 Bloom: Jun 24 – Aug 5

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 Bleeding Hearts's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Bleeding Hearts prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Bleeding Hearts.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Bleeding Hearts will thrive.

How to Plant Bleeding Hearts

1.5"
Planting Depth
24"
Between Plants
30"
Between Rows

Bleeding Hearts Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Bleeding Hearts Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 9.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 6.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dillingham Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Bleeding Hearts Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Bleeding Hearts needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Dillingham Census Area, AK

Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Bloom July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 21

Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

128 days in Dillingham Census Area

Growing Tips for Dillingham Census Area

Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.

When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Dillingham Census Area County, ?

In Dillingham Census Area County, , plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around September 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dillingham Census Area County, for Bleeding Hearts?

Dillingham Census Area County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.

Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Dillingham Census Area County's climate?

Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Dillingham Census Area County's temperate climate. Dillingham Census Area County averages a 128-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around September 6.

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Your Dillingham Census Area Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dillingham Census Area (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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