When to Plant Chamomile in Chatham County, NC
Chatham County, North Carolina gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Chatham County, North Carolina gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Begin indoor sowing: chamomile
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
-
It's harvest week for chamomile
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Chatham County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Chatham County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chamomile, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Chatham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Chatham County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.4) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Chatham County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Chatham 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 — Chatham County, NC
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Chatham County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Chatham County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 28 in Chatham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Chatham County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chamomile. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Chatham County, NC?
Chatham County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chatham County, NC?
Chatham County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Chatham County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Chatham County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.