Blog

When to plant Ageratum in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area sits in cold Zone 3b. Plant Ageratum June 17–July 8 for the single annual harvest; the September 2 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Ageratum in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area, Alaska Zone 3b July

Top priorities for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardeners in July

A quick July briefing for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost June 3
Avg. first frost September 2
Soil temp (4") 61°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure Moderate
Daylight 19.4 hrs
  1. Get ageratum seeds going inside

    A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.

Before August arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: ageratum

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ageratum to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Nome Census Area, AK (Zone 3b) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
91 growing days
First Fall Frost September 2

Nome Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Ageratum Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: Jun 14 🌸 Bloom: Aug 9 – Oct 11
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: Jun 17 🌸 Bloom: Aug 12 – Oct 14
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 17 Transplant: Jun 26 🌸 Bloom: Aug 21 – Oct 23

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 Nome Census Area

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Ageratum prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Ageratum.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Ageratum will thrive.

How to Plant Ageratum

8"
Between Plants
10"
Between Rows

Ageratum 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 Ageratum

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

Month Ageratum Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Ageratum 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.

Ageratum needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Ageratum Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK

Ageratum Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 1
Direct Sow June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 8
Bloom August 12 Aug 12 – Oct 14

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Nome Census Area

Growing Tips for Ageratum in Nome Census Area

Direct sow Ageratum outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Ageratum in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ageratum in Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Ageratum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.

When should I plant Ageratum in Nome Census Area, AK?

In Nome Census Area, AK, plant Ageratum after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nome Census Area, AK for Ageratum?

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

Can Ageratum grow in Nome Census Area's climate?

Yes — Ageratum grows well in Nome Census Area's temperate climate. Nome Census Area averages a 91-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 2.

🌱

Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). 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 Nome 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.