When to Plant Chamomile in Otero County, CO
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.
Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 4,145 feet, Otero County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Otero County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chamomile Planting Timeline — Otero County, CO
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
5.6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
166 days
Growing Tips for Otero County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Chamomile in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Otero County, CO?
Otero County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otero County, CO?
Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Otero County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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