When to Plant Chamomile in Jasper County, SC
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.
Jasper County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 143 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ great for early planting โ 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.
Jasper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Jasper County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8โ6.2) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6โ7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jasper 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 moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help 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 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
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 | โ | 4.6" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 4.8" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 5.7" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 5.5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.8" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | โ | 5.2" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in Jasper County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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 โ Jasper County, SC
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 โ Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 โ Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 1 | Mar 1 โ Mar 22 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 โ Jul 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 โ Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | โ |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | โ |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
0.4"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient
๐ Days to Maturity
60โ90 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 5.6โ7.5 ยท Your soil: too_acidic
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
๐ Growing Season
242 days in Jasper County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Jasper County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 15 in Jasper County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jasper County dries quickly โ 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 97ยฐF in Jasper 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 60" of annual rainfall in Jasper County, ensure good drainage for Chamomile โ 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 Jasper County, SC?
Jasper County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jasper County, SC?
Jasper County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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