When to plant Chamomile in Summit County, CO
For Chamomile in Summit County, the safe spring window opens around June 2 and closes around June 23. Last expected frost is June 16, first fall frost September 4, giving a 80-day growing season. A second sowing from June 26 to July 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Summit County, CO
Your June planting checklist for Summit County, Colorado
Your Summit County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Time to transplant chamomile
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Plant chamomile from seed, right in the garden
Your soil is 45°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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Get chamomile in for a late-season harvest
Count back from your first frost (September 4) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
Looking ahead to July
- Starting indoors: 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.
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°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.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8
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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.0) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.3" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.3" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit 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 — Summit County, CO
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 20 |
| Fall Sowing | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Summit County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after June 16 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 80.0-day growing season in Summit 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 Summit County, CO?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, CO?
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
When should I plant Chamomile in Summit County, CO?
In Summit County, CO, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Summit County, CO for Chamomile?
Summit County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Summit County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Summit County's temperate climate. Summit County averages a 80-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 4.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.