When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Modoc County, CA
In Modoc County, Bleeding Hearts is a spring-only crop. Plant June 7–June 21 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Modoc County, CA
Top priorities for Modoc County, California gardeners in June
Your Modoc County, California garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Modoc County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. 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 Bleeding Hearts to ensure they mature before fall.
Modoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts 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 Modoc County
How your county's soil matches Bleeding Hearts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.4) overlaps with Bleeding Hearts's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Modoc County is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Bleeding Hearts.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Bleeding Hearts.
How to Plant Bleeding Hearts
Succession Planting Bleeding Hearts
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Bleeding Hearts Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bleeding Hearts Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Modoc County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bleeding Hearts 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.
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Bloom | August 2 | Aug 2 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in Modoc County
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts in Modoc County
Direct sow Bleeding Hearts outdoors after May 31 in Modoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Bleeding Hearts 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 6b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Modoc County, CA?
In Modoc County, CA, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Modoc County, CA for Bleeding Hearts?
Modoc County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Modoc County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Modoc County's temperate climate. Modoc County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.
Your Modoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Modoc County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.