When to Plant Feverfew in Valencia County, NM
Top priorities for Valencia County, New Mexico gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Valencia County, New Mexico.
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Move feverfew into the garden
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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.
Valencia County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 4,052 feet, Valencia County receives approximately 11 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season. 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.
Valencia County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Valencia County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.7) is more alkaline than Feverfew prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Valencia 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 (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Feverfew.
How to Plant Feverfew
Plant 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Valencia 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 — Valencia County, NM
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Valencia County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Valencia County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after May 06 in Valencia County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Valencia County dries quickly — mulch Feverfew with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Valencia County receives only 11" 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 Valencia County, NM?
Valencia County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valencia County, NM?
Valencia County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Valencia County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Valencia County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.