When to plant Chamomile in Delaware County, IA
Plant Chamomile in Delaware County after May 2; the prime window is April 18–May 9. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Delaware County, IA
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.
Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 974 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chamomile Planting Timeline — Delaware County, IA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Delaware County
Growing Tips for Delaware 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 →
Chamomile in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Delaware County, IA?
Delaware County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, IA?
Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Chamomile in Delaware County, IA?
In Delaware County, IA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Delaware County, IA for Chamomile?
Delaware County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Delaware County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Delaware County's temperate climate. Delaware County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.
Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Delaware County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.