When to plant Chamomile in Ishpeming, MI
The best window to plant Chamomile in Ishpeming, is April 26–May 17, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 10; first frost October 20. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chamomile in Ishpeming, MI
Your July gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Marquette County, Michigan's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for chamomile
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: chamomile
- Fall sowing: 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.
Ishpeming, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 564 feet, Marquette County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chamomile to ensure they mature before fall.
Ishpeming Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 Ishpeming
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marquette County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Chamomile Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Marquette 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 — Ishpeming, MI
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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
163 days in Marquette County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Ishpeming
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after May 10 in Marquette 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
When should I plant Chamomile in Ishpeming, MI?
In Ishpeming, MI, plant Chamomile after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ishpeming, MI for Chamomile?
Ishpeming sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chamomile grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chamomile grow in Ishpeming's climate?
Yes — Chamomile grows well in Ishpeming's temperate climate. Ishpeming averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 20.
Your Marquette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marquette 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.