When to plant Feverfew in Madison County, MT
Plant Feverfew in Madison County, between June 18 and July 2 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (94 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Feverfew in Madison County, MT
Your June game plan for Madison County, Montana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Madison County, Montana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Get feverfew in the ground
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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.
Madison County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 6,394 feet, Madison County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Feverfew to ensure they mature before fall.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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 Madison County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.1) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Madison County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Feverfew.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Feverfew Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Madison 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 — Madison County, MT
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Harvest | September 17 | Sep 17 – Dec 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Madison County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after June 11 in Madison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 94.0-day growing season in Madison County is tight for Feverfew (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Madison County receives only 21" of rain annually. Feverfew needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Madison County, MT?
Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 11. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, MT?
Madison County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and first fall frost is September 13.
When should I plant Feverfew in Madison County, MT?
In Madison County, MT, plant Feverfew after the last frost (around June 11) and before the first frost (around September 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, MT for Feverfew?
Madison County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Feverfew grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Feverfew grow in Madison County's climate?
Yes — Feverfew grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 11 and first frost around September 13.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.