When to Plant Chamomile in Champaign County, OH
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.
Champaign County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 980 feet, Champaign County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Champaign County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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 Champaign County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.9) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Champaign County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Chamomile will thrive.
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 Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chamomile Planting Timeline — Champaign County, OH
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 29 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Champaign County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Champaign County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 25 in Champaign County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Level Up Your Garden
Chamomile in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Champaign County, OH?
Champaign County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Champaign County, OH?
Champaign County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Champaign County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.