When to Plant Angelica in Blaine County, ID
May to-do list for Blaine County, Idaho
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harden off and plant angelica
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Seed angelica outdoors
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: angelica
Angelica is a dramatic biennial herb that can reach 6 feet tall with large compound leaves and globe-shaped flower clusters. All parts are edible with a sweet, celery-like flavor.
Blaine County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 7,128 feet, Blaine County receives approximately 17.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Angelica to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Angelica successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Blaine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Blaine County
How your county's soil matches Angelica's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) is more alkaline than Angelica prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Blaine County is excellent for Angelica — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Angelica is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Angelica.
How to Plant Angelica
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Angelica
Angelica needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Angelica Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Blaine County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Angelica 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.
Angelica Planting Timeline — Blaine County, ID
Angelica Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
138 days in Blaine County
Growing Tips for Angelica in Blaine County
Direct sow Angelica outdoors after May 18 in Blaine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 138.0-day growing season in Blaine County is tight for Angelica (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Angelica in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Blaine County receives only 18" of rain annually. Angelica needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Sow fresh seeds in fall for spring germination. Provide rich, moist soil and partial shade. Harvest stems in the second year before flowering for candying or flavoring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Angelica in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Angelica in Blaine County, ID?
Blaine County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Angelica planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blaine County, ID?
Blaine County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Blaine County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Blaine County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.