When to Plant Chamomile in Cherokee County, AL
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.
Cherokee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 220 feet, Cherokee County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chamomile, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Cherokee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 Cherokee County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Cherokee County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cherokee 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 — Cherokee County, AL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Cherokee County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Cherokee County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 05 in Cherokee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Cherokee County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chamomile. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Cherokee County, AL?
Cherokee County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cherokee County, AL?
Cherokee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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