When to Plant Chamomile in Comox Valley, BC
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.
Comox Valley, British Columbia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 59 feet, Comox Valley receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly podzolic loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Comox Valley Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chamomile 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.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chamomile 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Comox Valley). 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 — Comox Valley, BC
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jul 28 |
| 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 | — |
| 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: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
227 days in Comox Valley
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Comox Valley
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 Comox Valley, BC?
Comox Valley is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Comox Valley, BC?
Comox Valley, British Columbia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Comox Valley Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Comox Valley (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.