When to Plant Chamomile in McCulloch 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.
McCulloch County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 1,250 feet, McCulloch County receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
McCulloch County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 McCulloch County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Chamomile's range (5.6–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McCulloch County is excellent for Chamomile — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in McCulloch 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 — McCulloch County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in McCulloch County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in McCulloch County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 17 in McCulloch County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in McCulloch 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 60" of annual rainfall in McCulloch 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 McCulloch County, TX?
McCulloch County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCulloch County, TX?
McCulloch County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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