When to Plant Yarrow in Madison County, VA
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.
Madison County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 865 feet, Madison County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Yarrow Planting Timeline — Madison County, VA
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Nov 5 |
· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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 →
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Madison County, VA?
Madison County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, VA?
Madison County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.