When to Plant Chamomile in Jasper County, SC
May to-do list for Jasper County, South Carolina
Here's what deserves your attention in Jasper County, South Carolina this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest chamomile as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Jasper County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 143 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Jasper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Jasper County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) is more acidic than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jasper County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Chamomile.
How to Plant Chamomile
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chamomile
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 17.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jasper 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 — Jasper County, SC
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jul 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Jasper County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Jasper County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 15 in Jasper County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jasper County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Jasper County, provide afternoon shade for Chamomile and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Chamomile in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 60" of annual rainfall in Jasper County, ensure good drainage for Chamomile — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Jasper County, SC?
Jasper County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jasper County, SC?
Jasper County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.