When to Plant Chamomile in Lewis County, TN
This month in Lewis County, Tennessee
Your garden in Lewis County, Tennessee is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Indoor seed-starting week for chamomile
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Lewis County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 3,735 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
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 Lewis County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.9) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lewis County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lewis 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 — Lewis County, TN
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Lewis County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Lewis County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after April 09 in Lewis 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Lewis County, TN?
Lewis County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, TN?
Lewis County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lewis County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.