When to Plant Yarrow in Calaveras County, CA
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.
Calaveras County, California is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 2,363 feet, Calaveras County receives approximately 25 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Yarrow to ensure they mature before fall.
Calaveras County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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 Calaveras County
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is more alkaline than Yarrow prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Calaveras County is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Yarrow.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Calaveras County). 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 — Calaveras County, CA
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 30 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Calaveras County
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Calaveras County
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 08 in Calaveras County 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 Calaveras County, CA?
Calaveras County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calaveras County, CA?
Calaveras County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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