When to Plant Chamomile in Pinellas County, FL
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.
Pinellas County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 246 feet, Pinellas County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°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.
Pinellas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Pinellas County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.2) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pinellas 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 (1.5%). 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 Sep 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 21.
Plant 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 | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Pinellas 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 — Pinellas County, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Direct Sow | January 4 | Jan 4 – Jan 25 |
| Harvest | March 22 | Mar 22 – May 31 |
| Fall Sowing | October 21 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors |
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 9b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Pinellas County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Pinellas County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after January 25 in Pinellas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pinellas 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 102°F in Pinellas 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.
With 58" of annual rainfall in Pinellas County, ensure good drainage for Chamomile — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Pinellas County, FL?
Pinellas County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pinellas County, FL?
Pinellas County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pinellas County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.