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When to plant Feverfew in Sutter, CA

In Sutter, Feverfew is a spring-only crop. Plant March 11–March 25 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Feverfew in Sutter, CA

Sutter County, California Zone 9b July

Your July gardening checklist

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost March 4
Avg. first frost November 26
Soil temp (4") 93°F
Watering Critical
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.5 hrs
  1. Harvest feverfew as they ripen

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

Looking ahead to August
  • First harvests: feverfew

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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.

Sutter, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.

Sutter, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Sutter Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Feverfew Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Aug 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Oct 19

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 Sutter

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 Sutter County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Feverfew.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Feverfew.

How to Plant Feverfew

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Feverfew Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 894 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 3.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 1.4" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 2.2" 0.6" 1.6" 🚿 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" 0.9" 1.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 2.2" 1.8" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter 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 needs ~1,680 GDD — county provides 4,272 GDD Excellent fit

Feverfew Planting Timeline — Sutter, CA

Feverfew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 26

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

0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Sutter County

Growing Tips for Feverfew in Sutter

Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after March 04 in Sutter 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.

Sutter County receives only 21" 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 →

When should I plant Feverfew in Sutter, CA?

In Sutter, CA, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sutter, CA for Feverfew?

Sutter sits in USDA Zone 9b. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Feverfew grow in Sutter's climate?

Yes — Feverfew grows well in Sutter's temperate climate. Sutter averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sutter County (Zone 9b). 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 Sutter County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.