When to Plant Chamomile in Sumter 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.
Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
Sumter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Sumter County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.1) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sumter 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 (1.4%). 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sumter 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 — Sumter County, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 9 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Direct Sow | January 16 | Jan 16 – Feb 6 |
| Harvest | April 3 | Apr 3 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
303 days in Sumter County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Sumter County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 06 in Sumter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sumter 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 96°F in Sumter 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 61" of annual rainfall in Sumter 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 Sumter County, FL?
Sumter County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?
Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.
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