Skip to content
🌻 Flower medium

Growing Chamomile in San Diego

🇺🇸 Zone 9 Planting Guide · Warm-summer Mediterranean climate

USDA Zone 9 355 frost-free days 60-90 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Chamomile in San Diego

Yes, you can grow Chamomile in San Diego, US! Plant during Oct, Nov for best results. San Diego is in USDA Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate, offering 355 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Chamomile takes 60-90 days to harvest. Chamomile needs full sun and low watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Good Match San Diego + Chamomile

San Diego's temperatures (9°C to 25°C) are within the tolerable range for Chamomile (-5°C to 28°C), though not always in the optimal zone (10°C to 22°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.

Chamomile tolerates -5°C to 28°C
Optimal: 10°C - 22°C
San Diego range 9°C to 25°C

San Diego Climate Data

USDA Zone
9
Frost-Free
355days
Winter Low
9°C
Summer High
25°C
Rainfall
262mm/yr
Climate
Csb
Warm-summer Mediterranean

Chamomile Planting Calendar for San Diego

Green months show the best time to plant Chamomile in San Diego

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Chamomile Not recommended

Chamomile Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

6+ hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Low

Drought tolerant, water sparingly

📅

Days to Harvest

60-90

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

medium

Some experience helpful

💡 Growing Tips for Chamomile

Self-seeds readily. Harvest flowers when fully open. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Let soil dry out between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent.

Frost tolerance: Chamomile is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

How to Grow Chamomile in San Diego

San Diego, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). With winter lows of 9°C and summer highs of 25°C, the growing season spans approximately 355 frost-free days. Chamomile grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.

Chamomile thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 22°C, requiring full sun and low watering. In San Diego, the best months to plant Chamomile are October, November. Since Chamomile can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 60-90 days after planting.

San Diego receives only 262mm of annual rainfall, so consistent irrigation will be essential for growing Chamomile successfully.

Other Plants That Grow in San Diego

More plants you can grow alongside Chamomile in San Diego

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow chamomile in San Diego?

Yes! Chamomile can be successfully grown in San Diego, US. San Diego is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The difficulty level for growing Chamomile here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are October, November.

When should I plant chamomile in San Diego?

In San Diego, the recommended planting months for Chamomile are October, November. San Diego has 355 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 9°C and summer highs of 25°C. Chamomile is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does chamomile take to grow in San Diego?

Chamomile typically takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest. In San Diego's Warm-summer Mediterranean climate with 355 frost-free days, you have plenty of time to grow Chamomile to maturity. Self-seeds readily. Harvest flowers when fully open. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Let soil dry out between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent.

Can I grow chamomile indoors in San Diego?

Chamomile can potentially be grown indoors in San Diego with proper conditions. It requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light — a south-facing window or grow lights recommended). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Oct, Nov outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and low watering.

What month do I plant chamomile in San Diego?

Plant Chamomile in San Diego during October, November. These are the optimal months based on San Diego's USDA Zone 9 climate, 355 frost-free days, and temperature range of 9°C to 25°C.

Is chamomile hard to grow in San Diego?

Chamomile is rated "medium" to grow in San Diego. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Chamomile in San Diego is Good.

What grows well with chamomile in San Diego?

In San Diego, you can grow many companion plants alongside Chamomile. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in San Diego's Zone 9 climate.

Does chamomile need full sun in San Diego?

Chamomile requires full sun. In San Diego, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most garden locations with southern exposure will work well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

See an error? Report it