Blog

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

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, CA (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 24
277 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Merced County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Feverfew

Feverfew needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" 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 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular 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 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

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Merced County

Growing Tips for Merced 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Merced County, CA. 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.