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When to Plant Yarrow in Catron County, NM

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.

Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.

At an elevation of 8,232 feet, Catron County receives approximately 10.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Yarrow to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Yarrow will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Yarrow successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Catron County, NM (Zone 5b) Short season
111 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
111 growing days
First Fall Frost September 22

Catron County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Sep 4 – Nov 20
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Sep 9 – Nov 25
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 27 🍅 Harvest: Sep 26 – Dec 12

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 304 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Yarrow needs ~1,286 GDD — county provides 1,359 GDD Good fit

Yarrow Planting Timeline โ€” Catron County, NM

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jun 24
Harvest September 9 Sep 9 โ€“ Nov 25

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 โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
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

111 days

Growing Tips for Catron 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 Catron County, NM?

Catron County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Catron County, NM?

Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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