When to plant Geraniums in Modoc County County,
In Modoc County County, Geraniums is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 7–June 21 for an 100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 21 first frost.
When to Plant Geraniums in Modoc County, CA
What to do in June
A quick June briefing for Modoc County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Set out geraniums seedlings
Frost risk is low now in Modoc County, California. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.
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 Geraniums to ensure they mature before fall.
Modoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums 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 Geraniums's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.4) overlaps with Geraniums's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Modoc County is excellent for Geraniums — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Geraniums.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Geraniums.
How to Plant Geraniums
Geraniums Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Geraniums
Geraniums needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Geraniums 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.
Geraniums 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.
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Bloom | August 16 | Aug 16 – Nov 22 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" 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 | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in Modoc County
Growing Tips for Geraniums in Modoc County
Direct sow Geraniums outdoors after May 31 in Modoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 113.0-day growing season in Modoc County is tight for Geraniums (70.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Geraniums 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 Geraniums in Modoc County County, ?
In Modoc County County, , plant Geraniums 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 County, for Geraniums?
Modoc County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Modoc County County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Modoc County County's temperate climate. Modoc County 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.