When to Plant Yarrow in El Paso County, CO
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.
El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 8,317 feet, El Paso County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season.
El Paso County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Yarrow Planting Timeline — El Paso County, CO
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Nov 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
148 days
Growing Tips for El Paso County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in El Paso County, CO?
El Paso County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is El Paso County, CO?
El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help El Paso County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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