When to plant Chamomile in Reddick, FL
Plant Chamomile in Reddick from January 25 to February 15 in spring. Reddick sits in USDA Zone 9a, with last frost around February 15 and first frost on December 1. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Reddick, FL
Your July game plan for Marion County, Florida
Here's what deserves your attention in Marion County, Florida this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Reddick, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°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.
Reddick Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 Reddick
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Marion 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 Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion 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 — Reddick, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Harvest | April 12 | Apr 12 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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
289 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Reddick
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 15 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Marion 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 97°F in Marion 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
When should I plant Chamomile in Reddick, FL?
In Reddick, FL, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Reddick, FL for Chamomile?
Reddick sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Reddick's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Reddick's temperate climate. Reddick averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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.