When to Plant Chamomile in La Paz County, AZ
What to do in May
Your garden in La Paz County, Arizona is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Collect chamomile at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
June prep starts now
- 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.
La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 307 days.
At an elevation of 4,875 feet, La Paz County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 105°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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
La Paz County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.3
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 La Paz County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.3) is more alkaline than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in La Paz County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). 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 Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 0.9" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 1.7" | 1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 1.7" | 0.6" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 1.7" | 1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in La Paz 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 — La Paz County, AZ
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 5 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Direct Sow | January 12 | Jan 12 – Feb 2 |
| Harvest | March 30 | Mar 30 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
307 days in La Paz County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in La Paz County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 02 in La Paz County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in La Paz County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 105°F in La Paz County, provide afternoon shade for Chamomile and water deeply in the morning.
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 La Paz County, AZ?
La Paz County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Paz County, AZ?
La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your La Paz County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for La Paz 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.