When to plant Feverfew in Merced County, CA
Merced County sits in cold Zone 9a. Plant Feverfew March 3–March 17 for the single annual harvest; the November 28 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Feverfew in Merced County, CA
What to do in August
August rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Merced County, California.
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Start harvesting feverfew
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Merced County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Merced County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, 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.
Merced County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Feverfew 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 Merced County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Merced County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Feverfew Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Merced 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 Planting Timeline — Merced County, CA
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Merced County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Merced County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after February 24 in Merced 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.
Merced County receives only 19" of rain annually. Feverfew needs consistent moisture — 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Feverfew in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Feverfew in Merced County, CA?
Merced County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Merced County, CA?
Merced County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Feverfew in Merced County, CA?
In Merced County, CA, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Merced County, CA for Feverfew?
Merced County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Feverfew grow in Merced County's climate?
Yes — Feverfew grows well in Merced County's temperate climate. Merced County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 28.
Your Merced County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Merced County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.