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When to plant Chamomile in Jackson County, IA

In Jackson County, plant Chamomile in spring between April 3 and April 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Jackson County's last frost averages April 17, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 7 and August 21 — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on October 16.

When to Plant Chamomile in Jackson 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.

Jackson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,321 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.

Jackson County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chamomile Planting Timeline — Jackson County, IA

Chamomile Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 21
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

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

182 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, IA?

Jackson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, IA?

Jackson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Chamomile in Jackson County, IA?

In Jackson County, IA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, IA for Chamomile?

Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Chamomile grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.

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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, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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