When to Plant Feverfew in San Miguel County, CO
Your May planting checklist for San Miguel County, Colorado
Your San Miguel County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: 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.
San Miguel County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 8,402 feet, San Miguel County receives approximately 21.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.
San Miguel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 San Miguel County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Miguel County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in San Miguel 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 — San Miguel County, CO
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Harvest | September 6 | Sep 6 – Nov 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in San Miguel County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in San Miguel County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 31 in San Miguel County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 113.0-day growing season in San Miguel County is tight for Feverfew (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
San Miguel County receives only 22" 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 San Miguel County, CO?
San Miguel County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Miguel County, CO?
San Miguel County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your San Miguel County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for San Miguel County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.