When to Plant Chamomile in Lafayette 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.
Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 217 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 57.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. 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.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
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 Lafayette County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lafayette County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chamomile.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chamomile
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 17.
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lafayette 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 — Lafayette County, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
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 Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Lafayette County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 04 in Lafayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lafayette County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Chamomile in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 57" of annual rainfall in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, FL?
Lafayette County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette County, FL?
Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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