When to plant Chamomile in Hampden County, MA
Hampden County gardeners should plant Chamomile between April 16 and May 7 in spring. With Hampden County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 30), Chamomile needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 19 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Hampden County, MA
This month in Hampden County, Massachusetts
Your garden in Hampden County, Massachusetts is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Indoor seed-starting week for chamomile
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Start harvesting chamomile
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Hampden County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 474 feet, Hampden County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season.
Hampden County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 Hampden County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.4) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hampden County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). 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 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hampden 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 — Hampden County, MA
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Sep 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Hampden County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Hampden County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 30 in Hampden 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 Hampden County, MA?
Hampden County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hampden County, MA?
Hampden County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Chamomile in Hampden County, MA?
In Hampden County, MA, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hampden County, MA for Chamomile?
Hampden 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 Hampden County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Hampden County's temperate climate. Hampden County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 17.
Your Hampden County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hampden 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.