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When to plant Celosia in Dillingham Census Area, AK

In Dillingham Census Area, Celosia is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 15–June 5 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the September 6 first frost.

When to Plant Celosia in Dillingham Census Area, AK

Celosia (Celosia argentea) encompasses the vivid cockscomb (cristata) and feathery plumed (plumosa) types that explode with color in summer heat. Drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, they thrive in the hottest parts of the season and produce long-lasting blooms both in the garden and as cut or dried flowers. A reliable filler in sunny annual beds.

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 Celosia to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly 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

Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celosia

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

Month Celosia 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.

Celosia Planting Timeline — Dillingham Census Area, AK

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 – Jun 5
Bloom July 17 Jul 17 – Oct 2

Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

128 days in Dillingham Census Area

Growing Tips for Dillingham Census Area

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, or direct-sow after soil warms above 60°F. Does not transplant well from large pots — sow in small cells or direct-sow. Needs full sun and warm soil; cold stress causes stunting. Pinch first bloom to encourage branching. Water at the base; wet foliage encourages fungal issues. Excellent dried flower — harvest before seeds set for the best color retention.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Celosia 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 Celosia in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

In Dillingham Census Area, AK, plant Celosia 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, AK for Celosia?

Dillingham Census Area sits in USDA Zone 4b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celosia grow in Dillingham Census Area's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Dillingham Census Area's temperate climate. Dillingham Census Area 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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