When to plant Chamomile in Mahaska County, IA
Plant Chamomile in Mahaska County from April 13 to May 4 in spring. Mahaska County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 27 and first frost on October 9. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Mahaska 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.
Mahaska County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 511 feet, Mahaska County receives approximately 32.2 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.
Mahaska County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chamomile Planting Timeline — Mahaska County, IA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
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 | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Mahaska County
Growing Tips for Mahaska 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 Mahaska County, IA?
Mahaska County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mahaska County, IA?
Mahaska County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Chamomile in Mahaska County, IA?
In Mahaska County, IA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mahaska County, IA for Chamomile?
Mahaska County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Mahaska County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Mahaska County's temperate climate. Mahaska County averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 9.
Your Mahaska County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mahaska County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.