Chamomile in Zone 4B — Midwest

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and the cheerful flowers brighten up the garden. Plus, it's relatively low-maintenance, making it a rewarding choice even for beginner gardeners in our region.

Our Midwest weather can be unpredictable, with late frosts and occasional summer heat spells. But don't let that discourage you! Chamomile's relatively short 60-day maturity and our approximately 138-day growing season give you plenty of time to get a good harvest.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, especially if you're eager for an early harvest. You can start seeds indoors from early to late March, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and provide warmth and bright light. Bottom watering can help prevent damping off. Keep in mind that with our moderate-to-late springs, starting indoors isn't always necessary, but it can be beneficial if you want to ensure an earlier bloom.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from late April through late May, after any threat of hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time; a late frost can still sneak in, so be prepared to cover your seedlings if necessary.

Direct sowing chamomile is an easy option, especially if you're not in a rush for an early harvest. Sow seeds directly into the garden from late April through mid July.

Choose a sunny spot, prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds, and sow the seeds thinly on the surface. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury them too deeply. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.

Chamomile is known for its low water needs and drought tolerance, making it a great choice for Midwest gardens. While our region gets a good amount of rainfall, understanding how to water properly is still important.

During our moderate-to-hot summer heat spells, check the soil moisture regularly. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation.

Water at the base of the plants rather than overhead, especially with our moderate-to-humid conditions, to prevent fungal diseases. Overwatering can lead to leggy, weak growth, while underwatering will cause the plants to wilt. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering, but be sure it doesn't hold moisture against the plant stems.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest from late June through early October, about 60 days after planting. The best time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has dried, when the flowers are at their peak.

Look for flowers where the petals are just beginning to bend slightly backward. Gently pluck the flowers from the stems, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.

As our first frost approaches in late September, you can harvest any remaining flowers to dry for tea. Even after a light frost, the plants may still produce a few more blooms if protected.

Here are some common problems to watch out for with Chamomile in the Midwest:

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 and leaves, often in the joints. Plants appear weakened and stunted. *What causes it:* Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, humid conditions. They can be brought in on new plants or spread by ants. *How to fix/prevent it:* Wipe off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective. Control ant populations, as they protect mealybugs.

Thrips *What it looks like:* Tiny, slender insects that cause silvery streaks and distorted growth on leaves and flowers. You might see small black droppings. *What causes it:* These pests are attracted to light-colored flowers and can be more prevalent during hot, dry periods. *How to fix/prevent it:* Spray plants with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control infestations. Remove infested plant parts.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot heat and moderate-to-humid humidity during the summer months can create favorable conditions for pests like aphids, mealybugs, and thrips. Regularly inspect your plants and take action quickly to prevent infestations from getting out of control. Also, be mindful of our wet-summer rainfall and ensure good drainage to prevent fungal diseases.

Chamomile is a great companion plant for many vegetables in the Midwest garden. Onions are good companions because their strong scent can deter pests like aphids from bothering the chamomile. Cabbage and broccoli also benefit from chamomile planted nearby, as it can attract beneficial insects that prey on cabbage moths. Cucumbers thrive with chamomile as a neighbor, as the chamomile is said to improve their growth and flavor. Finally, green beans do well planted near chamomile because it can help repel bean beetles.

Avoid planting chamomile near mint, as they both tend to spread and can compete for resources.