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When to plant Feverfew in Compton, MD

Compton sits in cold Zone 8a. Plant Feverfew April 12–April 26 for the single annual harvest; the November 4 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Feverfew in Compton, MD

St. Mary's County, Maryland Zone 8a June

Your June gardening checklist

Each item below is timed to St. Mary's County, Maryland's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost April 5
Avg. first frost November 4
Soil temp (4") 79°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
  • First harvests: feverfew

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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.

Compton, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 156 feet, St. Mary's County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.

Compton, MD (Zone 8a) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Compton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Feverfew Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (41 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 18

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 Compton

How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5–6.9) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in St. Mary's 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

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Feverfew Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 3.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in St. Mary's 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 needs ~1,995 GDD — county provides 4,047 GDD Excellent fit

Feverfew Planting Timeline — Compton, MD

Feverfew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Sep 27

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

213 days in St. Mary's County

Growing Tips for Feverfew in Compton

Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 05 in St. Mary's 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 →

When should I plant Feverfew in Compton, MD?

In Compton, MD, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Compton, MD for Feverfew?

Compton sits in USDA Zone 8a. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Feverfew grow in Compton's climate?

Yes — Feverfew grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your St. Mary's County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for St. Mary's County (Zone 8a). 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 St. Mary's County, MD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.