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When to plant Chamomile in Jackson County, IL

Jackson County's climate puts the Chamomile spring window between March 27 and April 17. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chamomile in Jackson County, IL

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.

Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,046 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.

Jackson County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chamomile

Chamomile needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chamomile Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chamomile Planting Timeline — Jackson County, IL

Chamomile Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Aug 14
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chamomile in Jackson County, IL?

Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, IL?

Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Chamomile in Jackson County, IL?

In Jackson County, IL, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, IL for Chamomile?

Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Chamomile grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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