Blog

When to Plant Yarrow in Lincoln 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.

Lincoln County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 6,293 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Yarrow successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Lincoln County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 15 – Oct 31
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Nov 4
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 6 🍅 Harvest: Sep 5 – Nov 21

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 140 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Yarrow needs ~1,522 GDD — county provides 2,073 GDD Excellent fit

Yarrow Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, CO

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3
Harvest August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Nov 4

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

143 days

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Yarrow in Lincoln County, CO?

Lincoln County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, CO?

Lincoln County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lincoln County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.