When to Plant Chives in Modoc County, CA
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Modoc County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: chives
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
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 Chives 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.
Soil Compatibility in Modoc County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.4) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Modoc County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chives.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Chives.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives 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 | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 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.
Chives 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.
Chives Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 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 Chives in Modoc County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 31 in Modoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Chives 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.
Your Modoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.