When to Plant Yarrow in Kootenai County, ID
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.
Kootenai County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 5,986 feet, Kootenai County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season.
Kootenai County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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 Kootenai County
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.7) is more alkaline than Yarrow prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kootenai County is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Yarrow.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kootenai 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 — Kootenai County, ID
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Oct 21 |
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 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Kootenai County
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Kootenai County
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 29 in Kootenai 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.
Kootenai County receives only 21" of rain annually. Yarrow needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Kootenai County, ID?
Kootenai County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kootenai County, ID?
Kootenai County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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