When to plant Feverfew in Hettick, IL
Plant Feverfew in Hettick, between April 18 and May 2 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (193 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Feverfew in Hettick, IL
July in the garden — Macoupin County, Illinois
Your garden in Macoupin County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
-
Harvest feverfew as they ripen
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Hettick, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Macoupin County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.
Hettick Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Hettick
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Macoupin County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Feverfew will thrive.
How to Plant Feverfew
Feverfew Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macoupin 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 — Hettick, IL
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Oct 3 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Macoupin County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Hettick
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 11 in Macoupin 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 Hettick, IL?
In Hettick, IL, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hettick, IL for Feverfew?
Hettick sits in USDA Zone 6b. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Feverfew grow in Hettick's climate?
Yes — Feverfew grows well in Hettick's temperate climate. Hettick averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 21.
Your Macoupin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Macoupin 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.