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When to plant Leeks in Tehama County, CA

Plant Leeks in Tehama County from February 13 to March 6 in spring. Tehama County sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around March 6 and first frost on November 28. A second sowing from October 3 to October 17 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in Tehama County, CA

Leeks

Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.

Tehama County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 78 feet, Tehama County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.

Tehama County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Tehama County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Leeks

Leeks needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Leeks Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 10.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 8.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 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 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 6.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tehama County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Leeks Planting Timeline — Tehama County, CA

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 – Mar 6
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Aug 21
Fall Sowing October 3 Oct 3 – Oct 17

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Tehama County

Growing Tips for Tehama County

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in Tehama County, CA?

Tehama County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tehama County, CA?

Tehama County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.

When should I plant Leeks in Tehama County, CA?

In Tehama County, CA, plant Leeks after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tehama County, CA for Leeks?

Tehama County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in Tehama County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in Tehama County's temperate climate. Tehama County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Tehama County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tehama County (Zone 9b). 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 Tehama County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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