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When to plant Onion in Modoc County, CA

Modoc County's spring Onion window runs May 17 through 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 Onion in Modoc County, CA

Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.

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 Onion to ensure they mature before fall.

Modoc County, CA (Zone 6b) Short season
113 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
113 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Modoc County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Onion Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA

Onion 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 August 30 Aug 30 – Oct 18
Fall Sowing July 13 Jul 13 – Jul 27

Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

113 days in Modoc County

Growing Tips for Modoc County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans
  • Asparagus

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Onion in Modoc County, CA?

Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Onion 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 Onion in Modoc County, CA?

In Modoc County, CA, plant Onion 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 Onion?

Modoc County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Onion grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Onion grow in Modoc County's climate?

Yes — Onion 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Modoc County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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