Chamomile in Zone 4A — Great Plains

Chamomile is a fantastic herb to grow in the Great Plains. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and the plant itself attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Plus, the satisfaction of brewing a cup of tea with flowers you grew yourself, despite our unpredictable weather, is hard to beat.

Our region is known for extreme temperature swings and variable rainfall, which can be tough on some plants. However, Chamomile is surprisingly resilient, and with our long sunny days and fertile prairie soil, you can easily harvest plenty of flowers during our 138-day growing season.

Starting Chamomile indoors in early to late March, about 6 weeks before transplanting, can give you a head start, especially if you're eager for an early harvest. This is most helpful for gardeners in the northern Plains with a shorter growing season. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm spot, ideally with supplemental light.

Bottom watering is a great way to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering the delicate seedlings; just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up. Keep in mind that spring in the Plains can be variable, with warm spells followed by sudden cold snaps, so be prepared to adjust your indoor setup as needed.

Transplanting Chamomile seedlings outdoors in late April through late May allows them to establish themselves as the weather stabilizes. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the wind and temperature fluctuations typical of the Plains.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the forecast for any late frosts; if one is predicted, cover the seedlings with row covers or blankets to protect them. Our springs can be windy, so consider providing some wind protection to help the young plants get established.

Direct sowing Chamomile is a straightforward method, especially if you're not in a rush for an early harvest. Sow seeds late April through mid July, once the soil has warmed up. Chamomile prefers a soil temperature around 70°F for optimal germination.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Scatter the seeds thinly over the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they're a few inches tall. Direct sowing is convenient, but you'll need to be diligent about weeding, as Chamomile seedlings can be small and easily overshadowed.

Chamomile is drought-tolerant once established, which is a huge advantage in the Great Plains. It thrives in well-drained soil and is more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering. Overwatering can lead to leggy growth and weak plants, so it's best to err on the side of dryness.

During the hot summer months, when temperatures can reach 93°F, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, depending on rainfall. In periods of drought, you might need to water more frequently.

Water at the base of the plants rather than overhead, especially in our low-to-moderate humidity, to prevent fungal diseases. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, while wilting leaves indicate underwatering. A layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful given our variable rainfall.

You can expect your first Chamomile harvest in late June through early October, about 60 days after planting. The best time to harvest the flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried, when the petals have just begun to bend slightly backward. This is when they have the highest concentration of essential oils.

Gently pluck the flowers from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems or leaves. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so don't be shy about picking the flowers as they mature.

As the first frost approaches in late September, harvest all remaining flowers, even if they aren't fully open, as they'll still have plenty of flavor. Dry the flowers by spreading them in a single layer on a screen or tray in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Once they're completely dry, store them in an airtight container for tea.

Chamomile, like any plant, can encounter problems, but being vigilant can help you keep your plants healthy. Here are three common issues you might face in the Great Plains:

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. You might also see sticky honeydew residue or curled and distorted new growth.
• What causes it: These rapid-reproducing, sap-sucking insects thrive in warm weather. Ant colonies may even "farm" them for their honeydew.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong spray of water can knock them off. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, as it attracts aphids.

Mealybugs

• What it looks like: Small, white, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and where leaves join the stem. Plants look stunted and leaves may yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They can be brought in by wind or on infested plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation around your plants to deter them.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that cause silvery or white streaks on leaves and distorted flowers. You might see black specks (their droppings) on the foliage.
• What causes it: Thrips are tiny, winged insects that feed on plant sap. They are attracted to stressed plants and can be spread by wind.
• How to fix/prevent it: Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective. Keep your garden free of weeds and debris, as these can harbor thrips.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot heat, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall of the Great Plains can stress Chamomile, making it more susceptible to pests. Maintaining consistent watering, providing wind protection, and monitoring your plants regularly will help them thrive despite our challenging climate.

Chamomile is a wonderful companion plant in the Great Plains garden. Planting it near onions, cabbage, and broccoli can help deter pests like cabbage moths and aphids. The strong scent of onions can also repel some insects that might bother Chamomile.

Chamomile also benefits cucumbers and green beans. It is believed to improve the flavor of cucumbers and can attract beneficial insects that pollinate beans. There aren't any widely known bad companions for chamomile, making it a versatile addition to your garden.