Chamomile in Zone 5B — Great Plains

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes for a soothing tea, and its pretty flowers attract beneficial insects to your garden. Plus, the satisfaction of growing your own tea ingredients, right here in the heartland, is hard to beat.

Our region is known for extreme weather, but chamomile is surprisingly resilient. With a 178-day growing season, you have a good window to get chamomile established and enjoy multiple harvests. Timing is everything, but it’s very doable.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, especially if you’re further north in the Plains where the growing season is shorter. You can start seeds indoors mid-February through early March, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and keep them warm and well-lit – a sunny windowsill or grow lights will do the trick.

Bottom watering is key to prevent damping off. Set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. Spring in the Plains can be variable, so starting indoors provides a more controlled environment until the weather settles.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors early April through early May, once the danger of hard frost has passed. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, then slowly increase the sun exposure each day.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – a late cold snap can still happen, so be ready to cover your seedlings if needed. Wind protection is essential in the Plains, so choose a sheltered spot or provide temporary windbreaks.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method, and it works well in our prairie soil. Sow seeds early April through early August. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so just press them gently into the soil surface instead of burying them deeply.

Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Direct sowing is less work than starting indoors, but the seedlings will be more vulnerable to weather fluctuations and pests. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they are established.

Chamomile is relatively drought-tolerant, which is a bonus in our sometimes-dry Plains climate. However, consistent watering, especially when plants are young, will promote healthy growth. The key is to avoid overwatering, which can lead to weak, leggy plants.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent, you may only need to water once a week, or even less if we've had a good rain. In the heat of summer, when temperatures can soar into the 90s, you might need to water every few days. Do the finger test: stick your finger into the soil about two inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot. A light layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, but don't overdo it – chamomile prefers well-drained conditions.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest early June through late October, 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 begun to bend slightly backward – this indicates they are at their peak flavor and aroma.

Gently pluck the flower heads from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems or surrounding foliage. Chamomile is a continuous harvester, so the more you pick, the more it will produce. As the first frost approaches in mid-October, harvest all remaining flowers, even if they aren't fully open, as they will still have some flavor.

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 and undersides of leaves. Stunted growth. Sticky honeydew.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. Can be introduced by ants or contaminated plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation. Control ant populations.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects (usually black or yellow) on flowers and leaves. Silvery or distorted foliage. Black specks (their droppings) on leaves.
• What causes it: Small, winged insects that feed on plant sap. Thrive in hot, dry weather. Can be carried by wind.
• How to fix/prevent it: Strong water spray. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Blue sticky traps. Keep garden free of weeds and debris.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot heat and low-to-moderate humidity of the Great Plains can stress chamomile, making it more susceptible to pests. Variable rainfall can also be a challenge – too much rain can lead to fungal diseases, while too little can weaken the plants. Consistent monitoring and quick action are key to keeping your chamomile healthy and productive.

Chamomile is a great companion plant for many garden vegetables in the Great Plains. Onions help deter pests with their strong scent. Cabbage and broccoli benefit from chamomile's ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on cabbage worms and aphids.

Cucumbers seem to thrive near chamomile, and green beans also benefit from the overall improved garden health that chamomile promotes. Avoid planting chamomile near mint, as mint can be invasive and compete for resources.