When to Plant Feverfew in Santa Clara County, CA
Your May gardening checklist
Your Santa Clara County, California garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: feverfew
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: feverfew
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.
Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 287 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, Santa Clara County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Santa Clara County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Santa Clara County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Santa Clara 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
Plant 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 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" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Santa Clara 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 — Santa Clara County, CA
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| 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
287 days in Santa Clara County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Santa Clara County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after February 19 in Santa Clara 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.
Santa Clara County receives only 16" 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 Santa Clara County, CA?
Santa Clara County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Santa Clara County, CA?
Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Santa Clara County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Santa Clara 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.