When to Plant Chamomile in Pitt County, NC
Pitt County, North Carolina gardeners: here's your May plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Pitt County, North Carolina this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Pick chamomile
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Pitt County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 542 feet, Pitt County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Pitt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Pitt County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Pitt County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 01.
Plant 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Pitt 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 — Pitt County, NC
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
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 | — |
| 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
229 days in Pitt County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Pitt County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 26 in Pitt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Pitt County's clay soil (34% 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 Pitt County, NC?
Pitt County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pitt County, NC?
Pitt County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 10.
Your Pitt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pitt 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.