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When to plant Chamomile in Ottawa County, MI

Spring Chamomile in Ottawa County goes in April 25–May 16, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chamomile in Ottawa County, MI

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.

Ottawa County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 1,027 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall.

Ottawa County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Ottawa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chamomile Planting Timeline — Ottawa County, MI

Chamomile Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 12
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Ottawa County

Growing Tips for Ottawa County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chamomile in Ottawa County, MI?

Ottawa County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ottawa County, MI?

Ottawa County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Chamomile in Ottawa County, MI?

In Ottawa County, MI, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ottawa County, MI for Chamomile?

Ottawa 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 Ottawa County's climate?

Yes — Chamomile grows well in Ottawa County's temperate climate. Ottawa County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 9.

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Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ottawa County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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