When to Plant Chamomile in Lenoir County, NC
May in Lenoir County, North Carolina — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Get chamomile seeds going inside
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
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Basket week: chamomile
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Lenoir County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 480 feet, Lenoir County receives approximately 49.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Lenoir County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.3
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 Lenoir County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.3) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lenoir County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lenoir 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 — Lenoir 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 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Lenoir County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Lenoir County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 28 in Lenoir County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lenoir County's clay soil (27% 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 Lenoir County, NC?
Lenoir 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 Lenoir County, NC?
Lenoir County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Lenoir County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lenoir 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.