Why these dates work in zone 9b
Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 frost-free days. Chamomile tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Oct 1 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does chamomile take to grow in zone 9b?
Chamomile matures in about 60–90 days from sowing. In zone 9b that means sowing around Feb 1 and first picking around Apr 2.
Will chamomile survive frost in zone 9b?
Yes — chamomile tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).
Can I plant a second crop of chamomile in zone 9b?
Yes — in zone 9b there's time for a fall sowing around Oct 1 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full chamomile growing guide →
