When to Plant Yarrow in Alexandria City, VA
Your May planting checklist for Alexandria City, Virginia
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Alexandria City, Virginia.
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.
Alexandria City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, Alexandria City receives approximately 45.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season.
Alexandria City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Alexandria City
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) is within Yarrow's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Alexandria City is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Alexandria City). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — 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.
Yarrow Planting Timeline — Alexandria City, VA
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Alexandria City
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Alexandria City
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 06 in Alexandria City when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Alexandria City, VA?
Alexandria City is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alexandria City, VA?
Alexandria City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 8.
Your Alexandria City Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Alexandria City (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.