When to plant Salvia in Dillingham Census Area County,
In Dillingham Census Area County, Salvia is a spring-only crop. Plant May 8–May 22 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Salvia in Dillingham Census Area, AK
June in Dillingham Census Area, Alaska — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Dillingham Census Area, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4b and timed around your local frost dates.
Salvia splendens is a tender perennial from Brazil grown as a warm-season annual throughout the US. Its vivid, upright flower spikes in brilliant red, purple, and coral are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. One of the longest-blooming annuals in the landscape — plants bloom from early summer until hard frost with minimal deadheading required.
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 Salvia to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Salvia root diseases.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Salvia Planting Risk Windows
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 Salvia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) overlaps with Salvia's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Salvia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Salvia.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Salvia will thrive.
How to Plant Salvia
Salvia Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Salvia
Salvia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Salvia 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.
Salvia 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.
Salvia Planting Timeline — Dillingham Census Area, AK
Salvia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Bloom | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 25 |
· 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Dillingham Census Area
Growing Tips for Dillingham Census Area
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; seeds need 65-70°F soil and light to germinate (surface-sow, do not cover). Transplant after last frost when soil has warmed. Salvia is frost-sensitive — even a light frost kills plants. Pinch spent spikes to encourage continued bloom. Tolerates heat and humidity well once established. In zones 9b-11b can be grown as a short-lived perennial.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Salvia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Salvia in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Salvia 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 Salvia in Dillingham Census Area County, ?
In Dillingham Census Area County, , plant Salvia 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 Salvia?
Dillingham Census Area County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Salvia grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Salvia grow in Dillingham Census Area County's climate?
Yes — Salvia 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.
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.