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When to plant Yarrow in Will County, IL

The best window to plant Yarrow in Will County, is April 23–May 14, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 23; first frost October 17.

When to Plant Yarrow in Will County, IL

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a tough, drought-tolerant native perennial with aromatic finely-divided foliage and broad flat-topped flower clusters that serve as a landing platform for hundreds of beneficial insect species. Available in white (the species type) and a wide range of cultivars spanning yellow, gold, pink, salmon, and deep red. Spreads by rhizome to form ground-covering colonies; blooms from late spring through midsummer with reblooming into fall if deadheaded. Exceptional in hot, dry sites where other perennials fail.

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Yarrow to ensure they mature before fall.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Will County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Will County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Yarrow Planting Timeline — Will County, IL

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Bloom July 9 Jul 9 – Oct 29

· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Will County

Growing Tips for Will County

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; seeds need light for germination — press onto soil surface, do not cover. Direct sow after last frost or divide established clumps in spring or fall. Thrives in poor, well-drained soil — rich soil and high fertility cause floppy stems and reduce flower count. Avoid overwatering; excellent drought tolerance once established. Deadhead spent clusters to encourage rebloom. Divide every 2–3 years to prevent center die-out and control spread. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily; first-year plants may produce limited flowers. Dried flowers retain color well for arrangements.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Yarrow in Will County, IL?

Will County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Will County, IL?

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Yarrow in Will County, IL?

In Will County, IL, plant Yarrow after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Will County, IL for Yarrow?

Will County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Yarrow grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Yarrow grow in Will County's climate?

Yes — Yarrow grows well in Will County's temperate climate. Will County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Will County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Will 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Will County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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