When to Plant Chamomile in Baldwin County, AL
Your May game plan for Baldwin County, Alabama
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Baldwin County, Alabama this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect chamomile at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: chamomile
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.
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Baldwin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
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 Baldwin County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.2) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Baldwin 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 (1.9%). 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 Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 29.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin 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 — Baldwin County, AL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jul 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 29 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Baldwin County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Baldwin County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 03 in Baldwin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Baldwin 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.
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 Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Baldwin County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.