When to Plant Chamomile in Riverside County, CA
Chamomile is a daisy-like herb famous for its calming, apple-scented tea. German chamomile is an annual while Roman chamomile is a perennial ground cover.
Riverside County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 283 days.
At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Riverside County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Riverside County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Riverside County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Riverside County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Chamomile.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chamomile
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chamomile
Chamomile needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chamomile Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 0.2" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 0.6" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Riverside County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chamomile 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.
Chamomile Planting Timeline — Riverside County, CA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – Jun 30 |
| Fall Sowing | October 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
283 days in Riverside County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Riverside County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 24 in Riverside County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Riverside County, provide afternoon shade for Chamomile and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Chamomile in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow on the soil surface as seeds need light. Harvest flowers when petals begin to curl back. Chamomile self-sows freely and improves the health of nearby plants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chamomile in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Riverside County, CA?
Riverside County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Riverside County, CA?
Riverside County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is December 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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