When to Plant Chamomile in Apache County, AZ
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.
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Apache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.7
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 Apache County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.7) is more alkaline than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Apache 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 (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 0.2" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.3" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 0.8" | 0.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache 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 — Apache County, AZ
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Apache County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Apache County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after May 20 in Apache County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Apache 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 Apache County, AZ?
Apache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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