When to plant Chamomile in Mackinac County County,
For Chamomile in Mackinac County County, the safe spring window opens around April 28 and closes around May 19. Last expected frost is May 12, first fall frost October 10, giving a 151-day growing season. A second sowing from August 1 to August 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Mackinac County, MI
Top priorities for Mackinac County, Michigan gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Get chamomile seeds going inside
These need a head start before your last frost (May 12). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in 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.
Mackinac County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Mackinac County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall.
Mackinac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.9
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 Mackinac County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.9) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mackinac County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Chamomile will thrive.
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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 01.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Mackinac 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 — Mackinac County, MI
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Mackinac County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Mackinac County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after May 12 in Mackinac 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 Mackinac County, MI?
Mackinac County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mackinac County, MI?
Mackinac County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Chamomile in Mackinac County, ?
In Mackinac County, , plant Chamomile after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mackinac County, for Chamomile?
Mackinac County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Mackinac County's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Mackinac County's temperate climate. Mackinac County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around October 10.
Your Mackinac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mackinac County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.