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When to plant Impatiens in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area's short 91-day growing season means one Impatiens planting between June 17 and July 1. No fall crop in Zone 3b.

When to Plant Impatiens in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area, Alaska Zone 3b July

Your July gardening checklist

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost June 3
Avg. first frost September 2
Soil temp (4") 61°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure Moderate
Daylight 19.4 hrs
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
  • Starting indoors: impatiens

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Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are the go-to annual for shaded beds and containers. They produce a continuous carpet of flat-faced blooms from transplant until frost, needing little deadheading. Their preference for consistent moisture and part-shade makes them ideal under trees and along north-facing borders.

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 Impatiens to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly
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

Impatiens Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: Jun 14 🌸 Bloom: Aug 30 – Oct 18
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: Jun 17 🌸 Bloom: Sep 2 – Oct 21
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: Jun 26 🌸 Bloom: Sep 11 – Oct 30

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 Impatiens's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Impatiens prefers (6.0–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Impatiens.

Organic Matter

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

How to Plant Impatiens

10"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Impatiens 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 Impatiens

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

Month Impatiens 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.

Impatiens 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.

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

Impatiens Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK

Impatiens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 1
Bloom September 2 Sep 2 – Oct 21

· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Nome Census Area

Growing Tips for Impatiens in Nome Census Area

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

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost at 70–75°F; germination requires light — do not cover seeds. Transplant after last frost once nights consistently exceed 50°F. Water regularly — wilting causes bud drop and they rarely fully recover the same flush. Watch for impatiens downy mildew (IDM); consider New Guinea impatiens as a resistant alternative in affected regions. Pinch tips at planting to encourage branching.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Impatiens 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 Impatiens in Nome Census Area, AK?

In Nome Census Area, AK, plant Impatiens 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 Impatiens?

Nome Census Area sits in USDA Zone 3b. Impatiens grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Impatiens grow in Nome Census Area's climate?

Yes — Impatiens 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.

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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

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