Blog

When to Plant Yarrow in Jackson County, OR

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.

Jackson County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 422 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Jackson County, OR (Zone 8a) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Yarrow

Yarrow needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Yarrow Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 6.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 6.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 8.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Yarrow Planting Timeline — Jackson County, OR

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 – May 21
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Bloom July 9 Jul 9 – Dec 3

· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
December Bloom

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 8a

📆 Growing Season

156 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, OR?

Jackson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, OR?

Jackson County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 10.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.