When to plant Begonias in Nome Census Area, AK
In Nome Census Area, Begonias is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 17–July 1 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the September 2 first frost.
When to Plant Begonias in Nome Census Area, AK
What to do in August
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Nome Census Area, Alaska this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start begonias under lights
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Pick begonias
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before September arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: begonias
Wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens) are the workhorse shade bedding plant of American horticulture, offering continuous bloom from transplant to hard frost. Bronze or green-leaved varieties perform well from deep shade to full sun (in northern zones) and tolerate summer humidity better than most cool- season flowers. A staple of mass plantings, containers, and window boxes.
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 Begonias to ensure they mature before fall.
Nome Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias 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 Nome Census Area
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) overlaps with Begonias's range (5.5–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nome Census Area is excellent for Begonias — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Begonias.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Begonias will thrive.
How to Plant Begonias
Begonias Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Begonias
Begonias needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Begonias 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.
Begonias 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.
Begonias Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Bloom | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 21 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Nome Census Area
Growing Tips for Begonias in Nome Census Area
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 91.0-day growing season in Nome Census Area is tight for Begonias (70.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine; surface-sow on moist mix under lights, do not cover. Bottom heat (70–75°F) speeds germination. Transplant after frost; begonias are not direct-sown in practice. Pinch seedlings once for branching. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions. Bronze-leaf types tolerate more sun; green- leaf types prefer shade to part-sun.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Begonias in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Begonias in Nome Census Area, AK?
Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Begonias 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 Begonias in Nome Census Area, AK?
In Nome Census Area, AK, plant Begonias 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 Begonias?
Nome Census Area sits in USDA Zone 3b. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Begonias grow in Nome Census Area's climate?
Yes — Begonias 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.