When to plant Chamomile in Smith County, KS
Smith County gardeners should plant Chamomile between April 9 and April 30 in spring. With Smith County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 23), Chamomile needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 16 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Smith County, KS
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Smith County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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It's harvest week for chamomile
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Smith County receives approximately 26.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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 Smith County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.3) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Smith County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Chamomile.
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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Smith 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 — Smith County, KS
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
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 | — |
| 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
174 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Smith County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 23 in Smith 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 Smith County, KS?
Smith County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, KS?
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Chamomile in Smith County, KS?
In Smith County, KS, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Smith County, KS for Chamomile?
Smith 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 Smith County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Smith County's temperate climate. Smith County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 14.
Your Smith County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Smith 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.