When to plant Kale in Modoc County, CA
For Kale in Modoc County, the safe spring window opens around May 17 and closes around June 7. Last expected frost is May 31, first fall frost September 21, giving a 113-day growing season. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Modoc County, CA
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
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 Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Modoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
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 Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in Modoc County
Growing Tips for Modoc County
Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Kale 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 Kale in Modoc County, CA?
In Modoc County, CA, plant Kale 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 Kale?
Modoc County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Modoc County's climate?
Yes — Kale 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.