When to Plant Chamomile in Kaufman 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.
Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 144 feet, Kaufman County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Kaufman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-8.3
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 Kaufman County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.3) is more alkaline than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (48% clay) in Kaufman County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 09.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kaufman 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 — Kaufman County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Kaufman County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Kaufman County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 12 in Kaufman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Kaufman County's clay soil (48% 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 60" of annual rainfall in Kaufman 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 Kaufman County, TX?
Kaufman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kaufman County, TX?
Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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