When to Plant Chamomile in Dundee, OR
Your July planting checklist for Yamhill County, Oregon
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Yamhill County, Oregon this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Collect chamomile at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Dundee, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 476 feet, Yamhill County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Dundee Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 Dundee
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yamhill County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
Chamomile 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 | — | 7.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0.9" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 9.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 8.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Yamhill 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 — Dundee, OR
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Yamhill County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Dundee
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 15 in Yamhill 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
Your Yamhill County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yamhill County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.