When to Plant Chamomile in Citrus County, FL
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.
Citrus County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 291 days.
At an elevation of 423 feet, Citrus County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Citrus County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
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 Citrus County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.2) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Citrus County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 07.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Citrus 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 — Citrus County, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Direct Sow | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 14 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | October 7 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
291 days in Citrus County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Citrus County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 14 in Citrus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Citrus County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Citrus 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.
With 56" of annual rainfall in Citrus County, ensure good drainage for Chamomile — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Citrus County, FL?
Citrus County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Citrus County, FL?
Citrus County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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