When to Plant Chamomile in Loving 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.
Loving County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 1,464 feet, Loving County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Chamomile may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chamomile will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chamomile root diseases.
Loving County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.3
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 Loving County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Chamomile prefers (5.6–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Loving County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chamomile.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Loving 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 — Loving County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Loving County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Loving County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 27 in Loving County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Loving County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Loving 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.
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 Loving County, TX?
Loving County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Loving County, TX?
Loving County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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