When to plant Lettuce in Modoc County, CA
Modoc County's climate puts the Lettuce spring window between May 17 and June 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Modoc County, CA
This month in Modoc County, California
Here's what deserves your attention in Modoc County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Get lettuce seeds going inside
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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Collect lettuce at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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Get lettuce in for a late-season harvest
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season green available in leaf, romaine, butterhead, and crisphead types. It is the foundation of salads and one of the easiest crops to grow.
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 Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Modoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Lettuce 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 Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.4) overlaps with Lettuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Modoc County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Lettuce.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Lettuce Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce 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 | 3" | 0.7" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 0.4" | 2.6" | 🚿 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.
Lettuce 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.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA
Lettuce 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 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" 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
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in Modoc County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Modoc County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after May 31 in Modoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to delay bolting. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Modoc County
Fast-maturing leaf and butterhead types
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Modoc County, CA?
Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Lettuce 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 Lettuce in Modoc County, CA?
In Modoc County, CA, plant Lettuce 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 Lettuce?
Modoc County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Modoc County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce 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.