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When to plant Yarrow in Phillips County, MT

Phillips County's 126-day season only supports one Yarrow planting per year. Sow between May 18 and June 8 for the best chance at full maturity before September 21.

When to Plant Yarrow in Phillips County, MT

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.

Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.

At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Yarrow to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Yarrow successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Phillips County, MT (Zone 3b) Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
126 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Yarrow Planting Timeline — Phillips County, MT

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15
Direct Sow May 18 May 18 – Jun 8
Bloom August 24 Aug 24 – Oct 26

· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July
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 3b

📆 Growing Season

126 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, MT?

Phillips County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?

Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.

When should I plant Yarrow in Phillips County, MT?

In Phillips County, MT, plant Yarrow after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Phillips County, MT for Yarrow?

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

Can Yarrow grow in Phillips County's climate?

Yes — Yarrow grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 21.

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Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 3b). 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 Phillips County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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