Chamomile in Zone 4B — Mountain West

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Mountain West garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and its cheerful flowers bring a touch of calm to our often intense, high-altitude landscape. Plus, those cool nights we get, even in summer, really concentrate the flavors in herbs like chamomile, making it even more rewarding.

Our short growing season and alkaline soil can present challenges, but chamomile is surprisingly adaptable. With a little planning and attention to timing, you can easily enjoy a bountiful harvest within our 128-day growing season.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, especially with our shorter season. Begin in mid-March through early April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix and provide consistent warmth and bright light – a sunny windowsill or grow lights work well. Bottom watering is key; set the tray in a shallow dish of water until the surface of the soil is moist, then remove. This prevents damping-off and encourages strong root growth. Remember our late springs, so don't be tempted to rush things!

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors in early to late May, after the danger of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Space them 6-8 inches apart in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Keep an eye on the weather; those late spring snow flurries can still happen, so be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple option, especially if you're not looking for a super early harvest. Sow seeds directly into the garden in early May through early July.

Choose a well-drained spot and prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so just gently press them into the soil surface instead of burying them deeply. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they're established. Direct sowing is easy, but you'll need to be diligent about weeding.

Chamomile thrives in our Mountain West climate with minimal watering. It's drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, so avoid overwatering at all costs.

During the spring, water only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch – use the "finger test." Once established, chamomile typically needs only about ½ inch of water per week, especially with our low humidity and dry rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage and creating conditions for fungal diseases, which are rare but possible.

Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to leggy, weak growth and root rot. A light layer of mulch, like pine needles or gravel, helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful given our intense sun.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest in late June through late September, 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 with petals that are just beginning to bend slightly backward – this indicates they're at their most flavorful. Gently pluck the flowers from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.

As our first frost approaches in mid-September, harvest any remaining flowers, even the ones that aren't fully open. Dry them for tea to enjoy a taste of summer throughout the winter.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with chamomile in the Mountain West:

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: A strong spray of water from the hose can knock them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators. 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 in leaf joints. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They are often brought in by ants or on new plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe away mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Introduce beneficial insects like lacewings. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective. Ensure good air circulation around your plants.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that can be black, brown, or yellow. Silvery or distorted leaves with black specks (their excrement). Damaged flower petals.
• What causes it: These pests are attracted to stressed plants and can thrive in hot, dry weather.
• How to fix/prevent it: Encourage natural predators like lacewings and minute pirate bugs. A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keep plants well-watered and healthy.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our intense UV radiation can sometimes stress chamomile plants, making them more susceptible to pests. The low humidity generally keeps fungal diseases at bay, but it also means you need to be vigilant about watering, even though chamomile is drought-tolerant. Our alkaline soil is usually fine for chamomile, but you can amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrient availability. Hail can damage the plants.

Chamomile is a great companion plant in the Mountain West garden.

Good companions include onions, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, and green beans. Onions deter many pests that might bother chamomile. Cabbage and broccoli benefit from chamomile's ability to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which prey on aphids. Cucumbers and green beans can benefit from the overall health boost chamomile provides to the garden ecosystem.

Avoid planting chamomile near mint, as they compete for resources and chamomile prefers drier conditions than mint.