Chamomile in Zone 3A — Great Plains

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes for soothing teas, and it's a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that even tolerates our variable rainfall. The satisfaction of brewing a homegrown cup of chamomile tea after a long day contending with the Plains wind and sun is hard to beat.

Our short growing season and occasional extreme weather can be daunting, but chamomile's relatively quick maturity and hardiness make it a manageable and rewarding crop. With a little planning around our 108-day growing season, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Starting chamomile indoors in our region is an option, but not always necessary given its direct-sow hardiness. If you're itching to get a head start, consider sowing seeds indoors from late March through mid April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with good drainage and keep them in a warm, sunny spot or under grow lights.

Remember to bottom water your seedlings to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping off. Spring in the Plains can be unpredictable, so indoor starting gives you a buffer against any late frosts or unexpected temperature swings.

Transplanting chamomile seedlings outdoors should happen mid May through early June, after the risk of hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense Plains sunshine and wind.

Plant seedlings 6-8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – even in late May, we can sometimes get a surprise hailstorm, so be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Direct sowing chamomile is a perfectly viable option in the Great Plains. Wait until mid May through late June, when the soil has warmed up a bit. Chamomile seeds are tiny, so prepare the soil well, creating a fine, level seedbed.

Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge, usually within a week or two. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they are large enough to handle.

Chamomile is wonderfully drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for Plains gardens where rainfall can be unpredictable. Once established, it needs very little supplemental watering. Overwatering is a bigger concern than underwatering with this plant.

During the hottest part of the summer, when temperatures are regularly hitting the low 90s, check the soil moisture using the finger test. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about ½ inch of water per week, delivered at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, especially given our low-to-moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to leggy, weak growth and root rot. A light layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but be sure not to pile it up against the stems.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest from early July through mid September, about 60 days after planting. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun gets too hot. Look for flowers where the petals have just started to bend slightly backward from the yellow center.

Gently pluck the flowers from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems or surrounding foliage. Chamomile is a continuous harvest plant, so the more you pick, the more it will produce. As the first frost approaches in early September, harvest all remaining flowers, even the less-than-perfect ones, to dry for tea.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with chamomile in the Great Plains:

Aphids *What it looks like:* Clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. Sticky honeydew residue. Curled or distorted new growth. *What causes it:* Rapid-reproducing sap-sucking insects. Populations explode in warm weather. Ant colonies may farm them for honeydew. *How to fix/prevent it:* Strong water spray knocks them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings (natural predators). Insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Neem oil works systemically. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer (it attracts them).

Mealybugs *What it looks like:* Small, white, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and in leaf joints. Sticky honeydew. Stunted growth. *What causes it:* Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. Often spread by ants. Drought stress can make plants more susceptible. *How to fix/prevent it:* Dab individual mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil for larger infestations. Ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity around plants. Water deeply during dry spells.

Thrips *What it looks like:* Tiny, slender insects (usually black or yellow) that feed on flowers and leaves. Silver streaks on leaves. Distorted or discolored flowers. *What causes it:* These tiny pests are drawn to light-colored plants and flowers, and can be carried by the wind. Hot, dry weather favors their reproduction. *How to fix/prevent it:* Strong blasts of water can dislodge thrips. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like lacewings and predatory mites. Keep weeds down, as they can harbor thrips.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot, dry summers in the Plains can stress chamomile, making it more susceptible to pests. Variable rainfall can also be a challenge – ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Wind protection is also essential, as strong winds can damage delicate plants and spread pests.

Chamomile benefits from companion planting in the Great Plains garden.

Good companions include onions, cabbage, and broccoli. Onions deter many pests that might bother chamomile, while cabbage and broccoli benefit from chamomile's ability to attract beneficial insects. Cucumbers and green beans also make good companions. Chamomile is thought to improve the flavor of cucumbers and beans, and these veggies help provide ground cover, keeping the soil cooler and more moist.

Avoid planting chamomile near mint. Mint is aggressive and can easily outcompete chamomile for resources, especially in our sometimes-challenging Plains soil.