When to plant Chamomile in Mills County, IA
Plant Chamomile in Mills County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 12. Continue planting through May 3 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Mills 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.
Mills County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,355 feet, Mills County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Mills County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chamomile Planting Timeline — Mills County, IA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 |
| 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 | — |
| 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
164 days in Mills County
Growing Tips for Mills 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 Mills County, IA?
Mills County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mills County, IA?
Mills County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Chamomile in Mills County, IA?
In Mills County, IA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mills County, IA for Chamomile?
Mills 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 Mills County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Mills County's temperate climate. Mills County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 7.
Your Mills County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mills 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.