When to Plant Yarrow in Surry County, NC
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.
Surry County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 104 feet, Surry County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Yarrow, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Yarrow root diseases.
Surry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.4
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 Surry County
How your county's soil matches Yarrow's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.4) overlaps with Yarrow's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Surry County is excellent for Yarrow — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Yarrow.
How to Plant Yarrow
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Surry 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 — Surry County, NC
Yarrow Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Surry County
Growing Tips for Yarrow in Surry County
Direct sow Yarrow outdoors after April 20 in Surry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Surry County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Yarrow. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Yarrow in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Surry County, NC?
Surry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Surry County, NC?
Surry County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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