When to Plant Chamomile in Marion County, AR
What to do in May
Your garden in Marion County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Time to start chamomile inside
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
-
It's harvest week for chamomile
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Marion County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 546 feet, Marion County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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 Marion County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marion 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 (3.1%). 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 Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marion 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 — Marion County, AR
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 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Marion County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 05 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Marion County, AR?
Marion County is in Zone 7b 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 Marion County, AR?
Marion County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.