When to Plant Chamomile in Erath County, TX
Top priorities for Erath County, Texas gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Erath County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the chamomile
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Erath County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 1,968 feet, Erath County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Erath County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.7
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 Erath County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–7.7) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Erath County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Erath 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 — Erath County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 29 |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Erath County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Erath County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 25 in Erath County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Erath County's clay soil (46% 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.
With 56" of annual rainfall in Erath 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 Erath County, TX?
Erath County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Erath County, TX?
Erath County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Erath County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Erath 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.