When to plant Chamomile in Madison, FL
Plant Chamomile in Madison, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 12. Continue planting through March 5 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 30 to October 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Madison, FL
Your July planting checklist for Madison County, Florida
Your garden in Madison County, Florida is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Collect chamomile at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Madison, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.
At an elevation of 434 feet, Madison County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Madison Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.7
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 Madison
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.7) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Madison 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 (1.4%). 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 30.
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Madison 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 — Madison, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 30 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
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 | 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
265 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Madison
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 05 in Madison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Madison 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.
With 61" of annual rainfall in Madison 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
When should I plant Chamomile in Madison, FL?
In Madison, FL, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison, FL for Chamomile?
Madison sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Madison's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Madison's temperate climate. Madison averages a 265-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 25.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.