Blog

When to plant Ageratum in Lassen County, CA

In Lassen County, Ageratum is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 28–June 18 for an 60–75-day harvest, finishing well before the September 29 first frost.

When to Plant Ageratum in Lassen County, CA

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.

Lassen County, California is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.

At an elevation of 1,854 feet, Lassen County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ageratum to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Lassen County, CA (Zone 7a) Short season
124 days
Last Spring Frost May 28
124 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Lassen County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

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 9.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 9.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 7.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 6.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Ageratum Planting Timeline — Lassen County, CA

Ageratum Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 – Jun 11
Direct Sow May 28 May 28 – Jun 18
Bloom July 23 Jul 23 – Nov 12

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

124 days in Lassen County

Growing Tips for Lassen County

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 Lassen County, CA?

Lassen County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Ageratum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lassen County, CA?

Lassen County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 29.

When should I plant Ageratum in Lassen County, CA?

In Lassen County, CA, plant Ageratum after the last frost (around May 28) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lassen County, CA for Ageratum?

Lassen County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ageratum grow in Lassen County's climate?

Yes — Ageratum grows well in Lassen County's temperate climate. Lassen County averages a 124-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 28 and first frost around September 29.

🌱

Your Lassen County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lassen County (Zone 7a). 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 Lassen County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.