When to Plant Eggplant in Modoc County, CA
Eggplant is a heat-loving solanaceous crop that produces glossy fruits in purple, white, or striped varieties. It requires long, warm growing seasons for best production.
Modoc County, California is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 2,205 feet, Modoc County receives approximately 28.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Eggplant to ensure they mature before fall.
Modoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Eggplant Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
| Direct Sow | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 28 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Oct 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
65–85 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for Modoc County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only after nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Mulch to retain moisture and warmth around roots.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Eggplant in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Eggplant in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Modoc County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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