When to Plant Yarrow in Sitka City and Borough, AK
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska.
Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial herb with feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red. It attracts beneficial insects and is used in herbal medicine.
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,935 feet, Sitka City and Borough receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Yarrow to ensure they mature before fall.
Sitka City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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 Sitka City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) overlaps with Yarrow's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sitka City and Borough is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Yarrow will thrive.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sitka City and Borough). 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 Planting Timeline — Sitka City and Borough, AK
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Sitka City and Borough
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Sitka City and Borough
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 20 in Sitka City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Yarrow in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Sitka City and Borough receives only 22" of rain annually. Yarrow needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Yarrow thrives in poor soil and is very drought-tolerant. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Sitka City and Borough, AK?
Sitka City and Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sitka City and Borough, AK?
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Sitka City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sitka City and Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.