When to plant Chamomile in Sangamon County, IL
Sangamon County gardeners should plant Chamomile between April 1 and April 22 in spring. With Sangamon County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 15), Chamomile needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 19 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Sangamon County, IL
This month in Sangamon County, Illinois
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Pick chamomile
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Sangamon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Sangamon County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sangamon County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — 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 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sangamon 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 — Sangamon County, IL
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
185 days in Sangamon County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Sangamon County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 15 in Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Chamomile in Sangamon County, IL?
In Sangamon County, IL, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sangamon County, IL for Chamomile?
Sangamon County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Sangamon County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Sangamon County's temperate climate. Sangamon County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your Sangamon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sangamon 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.