When to Plant Chamomile in Dauphin, MB
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.
Dauphin, Manitoba is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Dauphin receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly black chernozem soil. Summer highs average 74°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chamomile successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Dauphin Soil Profile
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chamomile 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 | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1.4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Dauphin). 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 — Dauphin, MB
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Dauphin
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Dauphin
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 Dauphin, MB?
Dauphin is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dauphin, MB?
Dauphin, Manitoba is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Dauphin Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dauphin (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.