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When to plant Yarrow in Pike County, AL

Pike County's climate puts the Yarrow spring window between February 26 and March 19. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Yarrow in Pike County, AL

Pike County, Alabama Zone 8b June

Your June planting checklist for Pike County, Alabama

Your garden in Pike County, Alabama is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost March 12
Avg. first frost November 13
Soil temp (4") 83°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.1 hrs
  1. Harvest yarrow as they ripen

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

Looking ahead to July
  • First harvests: yarrow

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Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a tough, drought-tolerant native perennial with aromatic finely-divided foliage and broad flat-topped flower clusters that serve as a landing platform for hundreds of beneficial insect species. Available in white (the species type) and a wide range of cultivars spanning yellow, gold, pink, salmon, and deep red. Spreads by rhizome to form ground-covering colonies; blooms from late spring through midsummer with reblooming into fall if deadheaded. Exceptional in hot, dry sites where other perennials fail.

Pike County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 90 feet, Pike County receives approximately 61.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Yarrow may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Yarrow, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Yarrow root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Pike County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Pike County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Yarrow Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 9 Transplant: Mar 6 🌸 Bloom: May 8 – Oct 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 12 🌸 Bloom: May 14 – Oct 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 1 🌸 Bloom: Jun 3 – Oct 28

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 Pike County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.8–6.3) is within Yarrow's preferred range (5.5–7.0).

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Pike County is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Yarrow.

How to Plant Yarrow

18"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Yarrow

4
successive plantings in your 246-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.

Yarrow Water Budget

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Yarrow

Yarrow 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 Yarrow Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Yarrow 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.

Yarrow needs ~1,594 GDD — county provides 5,227 GDD Excellent fit

Yarrow Planting Timeline — Pike County, AL

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 19
Bloom May 14 May 14 – Oct 8

· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

246 days in Pike County

Growing Tips for Yarrow in Pike County

Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after March 12 in Pike County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Pike County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Yarrow. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; seeds need light for germination — press onto soil surface, do not cover. Direct sow after last frost or divide established clumps in spring or fall. Thrives in poor, well-drained soil — rich soil and high fertility cause floppy stems and reduce flower count. Avoid overwatering; excellent drought tolerance once established. Deadhead spent clusters to encourage rebloom. Divide every 2–3 years to prevent center die-out and control spread. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily; first-year plants may produce limited flowers. Dried flowers retain color well for arrangements.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Yarrow in Pike County, AL?

Pike County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pike County, AL?

Pike County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Yarrow in Pike County, AL?

In Pike County, AL, plant Yarrow after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pike County, AL for Yarrow?

Pike County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Yarrow grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Yarrow grow in Pike County's climate?

Yes — Yarrow grows well in Pike County's temperate climate. Pike County averages a 246-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pike County (Zone 8b). 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 Pike County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.