When to Plant Feverfew in Rock County, WI
This month in Rock County, Wisconsin
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Set out feverfew seedlings
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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.
Rock County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 710 feet, Rock County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Feverfew during the growing season.
Rock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Rock County
How your county's soil matches Feverfew's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Feverfew's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Rock County is excellent for Feverfew — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Feverfew will thrive.
How to Plant Feverfew
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rock 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 — Rock County, WI
Feverfew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 18 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Rock County
Growing Tips for Feverfew in Rock County
Direct sow Feverfew outdoors after April 26 in Rock County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Feverfew in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Rock County, WI?
Rock County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Feverfew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rock County, WI?
Rock County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Rock County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rock County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.