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When to Plant Feverfew in Swain County, NC

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.

Swain County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 2,612 feet, Swain County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Feverfew, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Swain County, NC (Zone 6b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Swain County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Oct 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 16
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Oct 30

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.

Plant Water Budget

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

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Feverfew needs ~1,522 GDD — county provides 2,552 GDD Excellent fit

Feverfew Planting Timeline โ€” Swain County, NC

Feverfew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Oct 16

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 Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for Swain County

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 Swain County, NC?

Swain County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Swain County, NC?

Swain County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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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 Swain County, NC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.