When to plant Feverfew in Bath, IL
Plant Feverfew in Bath, between April 22 and May 6 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (182 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Feverfew in Bath, IL
Top priorities for Mason County, Illinois gardeners in July
Here's what deserves your attention in Mason County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Bring in the feverfew
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to August
- 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.
Bath, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 768 feet, Mason County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.
Bath Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Feverfew 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 Bath
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Feverfew's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mason County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Feverfew will thrive.
How to Plant Feverfew
Feverfew Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mason 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 — Bath, IL
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Oct 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Mason County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Bath
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 15 in Mason 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
When should I plant Feverfew in Bath, IL?
In Bath, IL, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bath, IL for Feverfew?
Bath sits in USDA Zone 6a. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Feverfew grow in Bath's climate?
Yes — Feverfew grows well in Bath's temperate climate. Bath averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 14.
Your Mason County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mason County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.