When to plant Chamomile in Saint Augustine,
For Chamomile in Saint Augustine, the safe spring window opens around January 19 and closes around February 9. Last expected frost is February 9, first fall frost December 2, giving a 297-day growing season. A second sowing from October 7 to October 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Saint Augustine, FL
June to-do list for Saint Augustine, FL
Your garden in Saint Augustine, FL is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Basket week: chamomile
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.
Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine
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 St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 07.
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns 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 — Saint Augustine, FL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – Jun 15 |
| Fall Sowing | October 7 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns 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 99°F in St. Johns 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 Saint Augustine, ?
In Saint Augustine, , plant Chamomile after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, for Chamomile?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 9b. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.