When to plant Leeks in Lassen County, CA
Plant Leeks in Lassen County after May 28; the prime window is May 14–June 4. A second sowing from July 21 to August 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Lassen County, CA
July in the garden — Lassen County, California
Your garden in Lassen County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Get leeks seeds going inside
You're about 12 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Get leeks in for a late-season harvest
Your first frost is about 12 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: leeks
Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.
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 Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
Lassen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Leeks 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 Lassen County
How your county's soil matches Leeks's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.5) overlaps with Leeks's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lassen County is excellent for Leeks — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Leeks.
How to Plant Leeks
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Leeks Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Leeks
Leeks needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Leeks 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 | 3.5" | 1" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 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.
Leeks 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.
Leeks Planting Timeline — Lassen County, CA
Leeks Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | August 27 | Aug 27 – Nov 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
124 days in Lassen County
Growing Tips for Leeks in Lassen County
Direct sow Leeks outdoors after May 28 in Lassen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 124.0-day growing season in Lassen County is tight for Leeks (90.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Leeks in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Lassen County, CA?
Lassen County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Leeks 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 Leeks in Lassen County, CA?
In Lassen County, CA, plant Leeks 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 Leeks?
Lassen County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Lassen County's climate?
Yes — Leeks 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.