When to plant Chamomile in Baker, FL
Baker gardeners should plant Chamomile between February 21 and March 14 in spring. With Baker's Zone 9a climate (last frost March 14), Chamomile needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by August 18 for a full harvest. A second sowing from September 21 to October 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Baker, FL
Your July game plan for Okaloosa County, Florida
July is a pivotal month for Okaloosa County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect chamomile at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Baker, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 396 feet, Okaloosa County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Baker Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-5.8
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 Baker
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–5.8) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Okaloosa 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 (1.6%). 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 21.
Chamomile Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Okaloosa 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 — Baker, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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
247 days in Okaloosa County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Baker
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 14 in Okaloosa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Okaloosa 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 Baker, FL?
In Baker, FL, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baker, FL for Chamomile?
Baker sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Baker's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Baker's temperate climate. Baker averages a 247-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 16.
Your Okaloosa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Okaloosa 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.