When to plant Chamomile in Bradford County, FL
In Bradford County, plant Chamomile in spring between February 8 and March 1, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Bradford County's last frost averages March 1, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between October 3 and October 17 — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on November 28.
When to Plant Chamomile in Bradford County, FL
Your July game plan for Bradford County, Florida
Your garden in Bradford County, Florida is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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It's harvest week for 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.
Bradford County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 272 days.
At an elevation of 297 feet, Bradford County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Bradford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
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 Bradford County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Bradford County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
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 | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bradford 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 — Bradford County, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Direct Sow | February 8 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| Harvest | April 26 | Apr 26 – Jul 5 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
272 days in Bradford County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Bradford County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 01 in Bradford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Bradford County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Bradford County, provide afternoon shade for Chamomile and water deeply in the morning.
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 Bradford County, FL?
Bradford County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bradford County, FL?
Bradford County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Chamomile in Bradford County, FL?
In Bradford County, FL, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bradford County, FL for Chamomile?
Bradford County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Bradford County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Bradford County's temperate climate. Bradford County averages a 272-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 28.
Your Bradford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bradford 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.