When to Plant Chamomile in Morgan County, AL
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Morgan County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Indoor seed-starting week for chamomile
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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It's harvest week for chamomile
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Morgan County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 386 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Morgan County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Morgan 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 — Morgan County, AL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Morgan County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 27 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Morgan County's clay soil (27% 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 Morgan County, AL?
Morgan County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, AL?
Morgan County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.