When to Plant Chamomile in Bienville Parish, LA
May in Bienville Parish, Louisiana — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start harvesting chamomile
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Bienville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.
At an elevation of 438 feet, Bienville Parish receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Bienville Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Bienville Parish
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.9) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bienville Parish is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bienville Parish). 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 — Bienville Parish, LA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
241 days in Bienville Parish
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Bienville Parish
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 16 in Bienville Parish 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.
With 56" of annual rainfall in Bienville Parish, ensure good drainage for Chamomile — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Bienville Parish, LA?
Bienville Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bienville Parish, LA?
Bienville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Bienville Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bienville Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.