Blog

When to plant Dianthus in Dillingham Census Area, AK

In Dillingham Census Area, Dianthus is a spring-only crop. Plant April 10–May 1 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Dianthus in Dillingham Census Area, AK

China pinks (Dianthus chinensis) are a reliable cool-season annual offering fringed blooms with a spicy-sweet clove fragrance. They perform best in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, providing vivid color in beds and borders when summer annuals haven't kicked in yet. In warmer zones they are grown as fall–winter–spring annuals. The compact mounding habit and clean foliage make them excellent edging and container plants.

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

Annual Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
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 Dianthus

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

Month Dianthus 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.

Dianthus Planting Timeline — Dillingham Census Area, AK

Dianthus Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Bloom June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 21

Plant 0.1" deep · 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · 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 8–10 weeks before last frost for spring transplants, or direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked — seeds tolerate light frost. Can also be direct-sown in late summer for fall bloom. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage; poorly drained soil causes crown rot. Deadhead regularly to extend bloom. In zones 8–10, plant as a fall annual for winter– spring color; plants decline in summer heat.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

In Dillingham Census Area, AK, plant Dianthus 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 Dianthus?

Dillingham Census Area sits in USDA Zone 4b. Dianthus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Dianthus grow in Dillingham Census Area's climate?

Yes — Dianthus 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.

🌱

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

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.