When to Plant Chamomile in Cooke County, TX
This month in Cooke County, Texas
Your Cooke County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
It's harvest week for chamomile
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 1,818 feet, Cooke County receives approximately 69.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly 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.
Cooke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 Cooke County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cooke County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cooke 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 — Cooke County, TX
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 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
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
230 days in Cooke County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Cooke County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 26 in Cooke 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.
With 70" of annual rainfall in Cooke 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 Cooke County, TX?
Cooke 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 Cooke County, TX?
Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Cooke County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cooke 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.