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When to plant Feverfew in Tuscola County, MI

In Tuscola County, Feverfew is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 10–May 24 for an 90–120-day harvest, finishing well before the October 16 first frost.

When to Plant Feverfew in Tuscola County, MI

Tuscola County, Michigan Zone 6a July

July in Tuscola County, Michigan — your action list

July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Tuscola County, Michigan.

Avg. last frost May 3
Avg. first frost October 16
Soil temp (4") 77°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
  • 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.

Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 1,369 feet, Tuscola County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.

Tuscola County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Tuscola County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Feverfew Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Oct 20
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 25
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Aug 25 – Nov 10

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 Tuscola County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Feverfew's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Tuscola County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Feverfew will thrive.

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 3.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 2.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 2.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Tuscola 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 ~1,522 GDD — county provides 2,407 GDD Excellent fit

Feverfew Planting Timeline — Tuscola County, MI

Feverfew Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Harvest August 9 Aug 9 – Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
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

166 days in Tuscola County

Growing Tips for Feverfew in Tuscola County

Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 03 in Tuscola 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Feverfew in Tuscola County, MI?

Tuscola County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tuscola County, MI?

Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Feverfew in Tuscola County, MI?

In Tuscola County, MI, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tuscola County, MI for Feverfew?

Tuscola County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Feverfew grow in Tuscola County's climate?

Yes — Feverfew grows well in Tuscola County's temperate climate. Tuscola County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Tuscola County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tuscola 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 Tuscola County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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