When to Plant Feverfew in Lewis County, KY
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May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lewis County, Kentucky.
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.
Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,979 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Lewis County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lewis 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
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lewis 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 — Lewis County, KY
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 15 |
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
180 days in Lewis County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Lewis County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 23 in Lewis 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 Lewis County, KY?
Lewis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, KY?
Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lewis 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.