When to Plant Feverfew in Sierra County, CA
Sierra County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Sierra County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Get feverfew in the ground
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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.
Sierra County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 1,560 feet, Sierra County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Feverfew to ensure they mature before fall.
Sierra County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
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 Sierra County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sierra County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 | — | 8.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Sierra 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 — Sierra County, CA
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Nov 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Sierra County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Sierra County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 10 in Sierra 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.
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 Sierra County, CA?
Sierra County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sierra County, CA?
Sierra County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Sierra County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sierra County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.