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When to plant Alliums in Androscoggin County, ME

Androscoggin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Alliums between mid-spring (after last frost on May 8) and late spring. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Alliums in Androscoggin County, ME

Ornamental alliums (Allium spp.) bridge the gap between spring and summer with their striking globe-shaped flower heads in shades of purple, violet, white, and pink. Blooming after tulips have faded, they extend the spring display well into early summer. 'Gladiator', 'Globemaster', and 'Purple Sensation' produce softball-sized heads on 18–36 inch stems, while smaller species create charming accents at border fronts. Deer and rodents shun them completely due to the characteristic onion scent. Dried seed heads provide architectural interest into fall.

Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 1,087 feet, Androscoggin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Alliums during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Androscoggin County, ME (Zone 5b) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Androscoggin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Alliums Planting Timeline — Androscoggin County, ME

Alliums Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom September 29 Sep 29 – Oct 20
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

Plant 5" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

28–42 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

151 days in Androscoggin County

Growing Tips for Androscoggin County

Plant bulbs in fall, 3–4 times as deep as the bulb diameter (typically 4–6 inches for large types, 3 inches for small species). Space 6–8 inches apart for standard cultivars. Foliage often looks untidy as it dies back before bloom — plant around perennials that will conceal the yellowing leaves. Excellent drainage is essential; alliums rot in wet soils. Leave bulbs in place for naturalization; divide every 3–4 years when clusters become congested. Deadhead spent globes or leave for ornamental seedheads and self-sowing.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Beans
  • Peas

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Alliums in Androscoggin County, ME?

Androscoggin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Alliums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Androscoggin County, ME?

Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Alliums in Androscoggin County, ME?

In Androscoggin County, ME, plant Alliums after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Androscoggin County, ME for Alliums?

Androscoggin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Alliums grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Alliums grow in Androscoggin County's climate?

Yes — Alliums grows well in Androscoggin County's temperate climate. Androscoggin County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Androscoggin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Androscoggin County (Zone 5b). 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 Androscoggin County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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