When to Plant Chamomile in Llano County, TX
Top priorities for Llano County, Texas gardeners in May
A quick May briefing for Llano County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Collect chamomile at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Llano County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 1,968 feet, Llano County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Llano County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
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 Llano County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.5) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Llano County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Llano 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 — Llano County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
239 days in Llano County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Llano County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 19 in Llano 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 Llano County, TX?
Llano County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Llano County, TX?
Llano County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Llano County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Llano 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.