When to plant Chamomile in Nice, CA
Nice's climate puts the Chamomile spring window between February 9 and March 2. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Nice, CA
Top priorities for Lake County, California gardeners in July
Here's what deserves your attention in Lake County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Pick chamomile
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Nice, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 270 days.
At an elevation of 154 feet, Lake County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Nice Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Nice
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lake 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 moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
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 | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 0.8" | 0.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.2" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 0.3" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 1.7" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lake 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 — Nice, CA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
270 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Nice
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 02 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lake County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
When should I plant Chamomile in Nice, CA?
In Nice, CA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nice, CA for Chamomile?
Nice sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Nice's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Nice's temperate climate. Nice averages a 270-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 27.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.