When to Plant Feverfew in Catron County, NM
What to do in July
Here's what deserves your attention in Catron County, New Mexico this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
At an elevation of 8,232 feet, Catron County receives approximately 10.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Feverfew to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Feverfew will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Feverfew successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Catron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 Catron County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.7) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Catron County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Feverfew will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Feverfew.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Feverfew Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Catron 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 — Catron County, NM
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | September 9 | Sep 9 – Nov 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
111 days in Catron County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Catron County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after June 03 in Catron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Catron County dries quickly — mulch Feverfew with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 111.0-day growing season in Catron 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.
Catron County receives only 10" 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 Catron County, NM?
Catron County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catron County, NM?
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Catron County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Catron 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.