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When to Plant Feverfew in Gem County, ID

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.

Gem County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 6,100 feet, Gem County receives approximately 16 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Feverfew successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Gem County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Gem County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Oct 23
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 15 – Oct 31
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 14 🍅 Harvest: Sep 13 – Nov 29

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 Gem County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.7) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Gem County is excellent for Feverfew โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Feverfew.

How to Plant Feverfew

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

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 57 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Feverfew needs ~1,601 GDD — county provides 2,211 GDD Excellent fit

Feverfew Planting Timeline โ€” Gem County, ID

Feverfew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 โ€“ May 30
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 โ€“ Oct 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.5"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

145 days in Gem County

Growing Tips for Feverfew in Gem County

Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 09 in Gem 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.

Gem County receives only 16" of rain annually. Feverfew needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Feverfew in Gem County, ID?

Gem County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gem County, ID?

Gem County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Gem County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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