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When to plant Feverfew in Oneida, IL

Plant Feverfew in Oneida, between April 24 and May 8 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (181 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Feverfew in Oneida, IL

Knox County, Illinois Zone 5b June

Your June game plan for Knox County, Illinois

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Knox County, Illinois this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 17
Avg. first frost October 15
Soil temp (4") 67°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
  • First harvests: feverfew

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Feverfew is a bushy perennial herb with small daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It has been used traditionally for headache relief and is a cheerful garden plant.

Oneida, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 1,301 feet, Knox County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Feverfew to ensure they mature before fall.

Oneida, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Oneida Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Feverfew Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Oct 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Oct 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 25

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 Oneida

How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Feverfew's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Knox County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Feverfew will thrive.

How to Plant Feverfew

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Feverfew Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Feverfew

Feverfew needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Feverfew Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 3.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 4.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 3.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 2.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Feverfew 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.

Feverfew needs ~1,365 GDD — county provides 2,353 GDD Excellent fit

Feverfew Planting Timeline — Oneida, IL

Feverfew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Oct 9

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Knox County

Growing Tips for Feverfew in Oneida

Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 17 in Knox County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors or direct sow on the soil surface. Deadhead regularly to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Feverfew in Oneida, IL?

In Oneida, IL, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Oneida, IL for Feverfew?

Oneida sits in USDA Zone 5b. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Feverfew grow in Oneida's climate?

Yes — Feverfew grows well in Oneida's temperate climate. Oneida averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 15.

🌱

Your Knox County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Knox 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.

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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 Knox County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.