When to Plant Chamomile in Hidalgo County, TX
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.
Hidalgo County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 315 days.
At an elevation of 4,081 feet, Hidalgo County receives approximately 67 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Hidalgo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Hidalgo County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Hidalgo County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 23.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Hidalgo 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 — Hidalgo County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 9 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Direct Sow | January 16 | Jan 16 – Feb 6 |
| Harvest | April 3 | Apr 3 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 23 | Oct 23 – Nov 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
315 days in Hidalgo County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Hidalgo County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after February 06 in Hidalgo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Hidalgo 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 67" of annual rainfall in Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County, TX?
Hidalgo County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hidalgo County, TX?
Hidalgo County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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