When to plant Chamomile in Fowler,
For Fowler, gardeners: plant Chamomile March 31 through April 21 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Fowler, IL
Your June planting checklist for Fowler, IL
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Fowler, IL.
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Harvest chamomile as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: chamomile
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.
Fowler, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,390 feet, Adams County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Fowler Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Fowler
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Chamomile will thrive.
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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Adams 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 — Fowler, IL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Fowler
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 14 in Adams 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
When should I plant Chamomile in Fowler, ?
In Fowler, , plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fowler, for Chamomile?
Fowler sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Fowler's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Fowler's temperate climate. Fowler averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 20.
Your Adams County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adams County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.