When to Plant Chamomile in Nacogdoches 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.
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 21 feet, Nacogdoches County receives approximately 64.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chamomile during the growing season. 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.
Nacogdoches County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Nacogdoches County
How your county's soil matches Chamomile's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) is within Chamomile's preferred range (5.6–7.5).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chamomile will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). 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 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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.7" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nacogdoches 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 — Nacogdoches County, TX
Chamomile Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Nacogdoches County
Growing Tips for Chamomile in Nacogdoches County
Direct sow Chamomile outdoors after March 07 in Nacogdoches County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches County dries quickly — mulch Chamomile with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Chamomile in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 64" of annual rainfall in Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Chamomile planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.
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