When to Plant Chamomile in Grant County, WV
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.
Grant County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 2,758 feet, Grant County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grant 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 — Grant County, WV
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Sep 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Grant County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 29 in Grant 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chamomile in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Grant County, WV?
Grant County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, WV?
Grant County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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