When to Plant Chamomile in Morehouse Parish, LA
May in the garden — Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana.
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Harvest chamomile as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Morehouse Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 476 feet, Morehouse Parish receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Morehouse Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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 Morehouse Parish
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.3) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Morehouse Parish is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Morehouse 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 — Morehouse Parish, LA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jul 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
251 days in Morehouse Parish
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Morehouse Parish
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 09 in Morehouse 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.
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 Morehouse Parish, LA?
Morehouse Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morehouse Parish, LA?
Morehouse Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Morehouse Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morehouse 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.