When to plant Chamomile in Fowler, CO
Fowler gardeners should plant Chamomile between April 12 and May 3 in spring. With Fowler's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 26), Chamomile needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 11 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Fowler, CO
Top priorities for Otero County, Colorado gardeners in July
Your garden in Otero County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Harvest chamomile as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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Kick off the fall garden with chamomile
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Fowler, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 4,145 feet, Otero County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fowler Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
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 Fowler
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.1) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Otero 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.
Succession Planting Chamomile
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 31.
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 1.4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1.3" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Otero 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 — Fowler, CO
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Otero County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Fowler
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 26 in Otero 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
When should I plant Chamomile in Fowler, CO?
In Fowler, CO, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fowler, CO for Chamomile?
Fowler sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Fowler's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Fowler's temperate climate. Fowler averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 9.
Your Otero County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otero County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.