When to Plant Yarrow in Johnson County, TX
Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial herb with feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red. It attracts beneficial insects and is used in herbal medicine.
Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 2,525 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 62.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Yarrow, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Yarrow root diseases.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7-7.8
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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0โ7.8) is more alkaline than Yarrow prefers (5.5โ7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (42% clay) in Johnson County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Yarrow.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Yarrow
Yarrow 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 | Yarrow Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | โ | 1.6" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 2.2" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 7.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 8.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11.5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.9" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Dec | โ | 1.7" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in Johnson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Yarrow 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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.
Yarrow Planting Timeline โ Johnson County, TX
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 โ Apr 8 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 โ Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | โ |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | โ |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
0.5"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient
๐ Days to Maturity
90โ120 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 5.5โ7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
๐ Growing Season
239 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Johnson County
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after March 18 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Johnson County's clay soil (42% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Yarrow. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Yarrow in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Yarrow thrives in poor soil and is very drought-tolerant. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner โ designed to help Johnson County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.