When to plant Chamomile in Mono County, CA
Mono County gardeners should plant Chamomile between June 4 and June 25 in spring. With Mono County's Zone 6b climate (last frost June 18), Chamomile needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by May 22 for a full harvest. A second sowing from June 11 to June 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Mono County, CA
What to do in July
Here's what deserves your attention in Mono County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Sow chamomile in trays indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Mono County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is August 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.
At an elevation of 2,381 feet, Mono County receives approximately 13.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mono County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mono County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.5) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mono County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Chamomile.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chamomile 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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Mono 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 — Mono County, CA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Oct 22 |
| Fall Sowing | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
63 days in Mono County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Mono County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after June 18 in Mono County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 63.0-day growing season in Mono County is tight for Chamomile (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Mono County, CA?
Mono County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mono County, CA?
Mono County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is August 20.
When should I plant Chamomile in Mono County, CA?
In Mono County, CA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around August 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mono County, CA for Chamomile?
Mono County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Mono County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Mono County's temperate climate. Mono County averages a 63-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around August 20.
Your Mono County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mono County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.