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When to plant Chamomile in Butte County, CA

Butte County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Plant Chamomile between March 30 (after last frost on April 20) and April 20. A second sowing from September 15 to September 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chamomile in Butte County, CA

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.

Butte County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 144 feet, Butte County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.

Butte County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
204 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Butte County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chamomile

Chamomile needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chamomile Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 9.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 9.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 6.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 7.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Butte County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chamomile Planting Timeline — Butte County, CA

Chamomile Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 24
Fall Sowing September 15 Sep 15 – Sep 29

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Butte County

Growing Tips for Butte County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chamomile in Butte County, CA?

Butte County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butte County, CA?

Butte County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is November 10.

When should I plant Chamomile in Butte County, CA?

In Butte County, CA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Butte County, CA for Chamomile?

Butte County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chamomile grow in Butte County's climate?

Yes — Chamomile grows well in Butte County's temperate climate. Butte County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around November 10.

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Your Butte County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Butte County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Butte County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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