Blog

When to Plant Yarrow in Warren County, IL

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.

Warren County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 801 feet, Warren County receives approximately 36.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season.

Warren County, IL (Zone 5a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Warren County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Oct 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Oct 20

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 Warren County

How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.9โ€“6.8) is within Yarrow's preferred range (5.5โ€“7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Warren County is excellent for Yarrow โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) โ€” Yarrow will thrive.

How to Plant Yarrow

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Yarrow needs ~1,601 GDD — county provides 2,912 GDD Excellent fit

Yarrow Planting Timeline โ€” Warren County, IL

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 โ€“ Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.5"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

191 days in Warren County

Growing Tips for Yarrow in Warren County

Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 13 in Warren 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Yarrow in Warren County, IL?

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

What planting zone is Warren County, IL?

Warren County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Warren County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Warren County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.