When to plant Chamomile in Elmore County, ID
For Chamomile in Elmore County, the safe spring window opens around April 13 and closes around May 4. Last expected frost is April 27, first fall frost October 14, giving a 170-day growing season. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Elmore County, ID
August in the garden — Elmore County, Idaho
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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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.
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Kick off the fall garden with chamomile
Count back from your first frost (October 14) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
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.
Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 5,944 feet, Elmore County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Elmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 Elmore County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Elmore County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Chamomile.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chamomile
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Chamomile Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Elmore 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 — Elmore County, ID
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Elmore County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Elmore County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 27 in Elmore County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Elmore County, ID?
Elmore County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elmore County, ID?
Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Chamomile in Elmore County, ID?
In Elmore County, ID, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Elmore County, ID for Chamomile?
Elmore County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Elmore County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Elmore County's temperate climate. Elmore County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 14.
Your Elmore County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Elmore County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.