Chamomile in Zone 5A — Mountain West

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any high-altitude garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and the plant itself is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your garden beds. Plus, those cool Mountain nights we get, even in summer, actually enhance the flavor of herbs like chamomile.

Our short growing season and alkaline soil can be a challenge, but chamomile's relatively quick maturity (around 60 days) makes it a manageable and rewarding crop. With a little planning, you can easily enjoy a bountiful chamomile harvest from late June through early October, even with our 138-day growing season.

Starting chamomile indoors is an option, although direct sowing often works just as well. If you want a head start, begin indoors from early to late March, about 6 weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and provide consistent warmth and light—a simple shop light works wonders.

Bottom watering is key to prevent damping off. Place the seed tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. Remember, our late springs mean you'll need to keep an eye on the weather before transplanting.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from late April through late May. Before transplanting, be sure to harden them off for about a week, gradually exposing them to the outdoor elements. This is especially important given our intense sun; protect them from UV shock.

Plant them 6-8 inches apart in well-draining soil. Keep an eye out for late frosts, which can still happen, even in late May, at our altitude. Be ready to cover your seedlings if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method, especially in our climate. Sow seeds outdoors from late April through mid July. Chamomile prefers well-drained soil, so make sure your garden beds are prepared accordingly.

Gently press the seeds into the soil, keeping them about 6-8 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Direct sowing avoids the stress of transplanting, but remember, you'll need to monitor for weeds more carefully.

Chamomile thrives on low water, which is perfect for our dry Mountain climate. Aim for deep but infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to leggy, weak growth, which you definitely want to avoid.

During the peak of summer, when temperatures might reach 85°F, water about once a week, providing about ½ inch of water. Use the finger test: if the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent fungal issues in our low-humidity environment.

In spring and fall, you'll likely need to water even less frequently. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing and root rot. A light layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially with our intense sun.

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 have just begun to bend slightly backward.

Gently pluck the flowers from the stems, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so don't be shy about picking those blooms! As the first frost approaches in late September, harvest all remaining flowers to dry for tea, ensuring you make the most of our short season.

Here are some 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. You might also notice sticky honeydew residue or curled, distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Aphids are rapid-reproducing sap-sucking insects. Their populations can explode in warm weather, and ants often "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: White, cottony masses on stems and leaves, often near leaf joints. Plants may appear stunted or wilted.
• What causes it: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They can be brought in on new plants or spread by ants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe off small infestations with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger problems, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent infestations.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that cause silvery or distorted foliage. You might see black specks (their droppings) on the leaves. Flowers can become discolored or deformed.
• What causes it: Thrips are sap-sucking insects that are attracted to plants under stress. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge thrips. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective. Keep plants well-watered and healthy to reduce their susceptibility.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude heat, combined with low humidity and dry rainfall, can stress plants, making them more susceptible to pests like thrips and mealybugs. Regular monitoring and preventative measures are key to keeping your chamomile healthy. The intense UV light can also weaken plants, so ensure they receive adequate water and nutrients to withstand the environmental stress.

Chamomile is a great companion plant for many garden vegetables. Planting chamomile near onions, cabbage, and broccoli can help deter cabbage moths and other pests. Its presence near cucumbers can improve their flavor and growth.

Chamomile also benefits green beans, as it is thought to improve their overall health and vigor. Avoid planting chamomile near mint, as mint can be invasive and compete for resources, especially water, which is precious in our dry climate.