Chamomile in Zone 6B — Great Plains

Chamomile is a delightful addition to any Great Plains garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and it attracts beneficial insects to your garden, helping with pollination and pest control. Plus, the satisfaction of brewing a cup of tea from your own homegrown chamomile is hard to beat.

Our region can throw some extreme weather your way, from intense summer heat to variable rainfall and the occasional bout of hail. But don't let that deter you! With our long growing season, averaging around 198 days, you'll have plenty of time to get a chamomile crop going.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, especially if you're aiming for an earlier harvest. Begin in early to late February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays and a good seed-starting mix, ensuring they're kept warm and under grow lights.

Bottom watering is key to prevent damping off. Place the tray in a shallow dish of water until the soil surface is moist. Remember, spring in the Plains can be variable, so indoor starting provides a stable environment until the weather settles.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from late March through late April. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Space your plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – late frosts can still occur, so be ready to cover your seedlings if necessary.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method, especially if you have well-draining soil. Sow seeds from late March through mid August.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any large clumps. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so just gently press them into the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart.

Chamomile is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, making it a great fit for our Plains climate. Overwatering can lead to leggy, weak growth, so it's crucial to get the watering right.

During the hot summer months, water deeply about once a week if rainfall is scarce. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, delivered slowly to the base of the plants rather than overhead, as our low-to-moderate humidity minimizes fungal disease risk.

In spring and fall, you'll likely need to water less frequently as temperatures cool and rainfall increases. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting can signal underwatering. Mulching around your chamomile plants with straw or wood chips can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful during our extreme temperature swings.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest from late May through early November, 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 flower heads, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued flower production.

As the first frost approaches in late October, harvest any remaining flowers. Dry them on a screen or in a dehydrator for use in tea throughout the winter.

Here are a few 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 leaves, often in leaf axils. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves. *What causes it:* Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They can be spread by ants or wind. *How to fix/prevent it:* Wipe off mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Ensure good air circulation around plants.

Thrips *What it looks like:* Tiny, slender insects that feed on plant sap, causing silvery or distorted foliage. Black fecal spots may be visible. *What causes it:* Thrips are attracted to stressed plants and can be carried by wind. *How to fix/prevent it:* Strong water spray can dislodge thrips. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used. Keep plants well-watered and healthy.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers can stress chamomile, making it more susceptible to pests. Variable rainfall can also be a challenge – ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, but be prepared to water during dry spells.

Chamomile is a fantastic companion plant for many vegetables in the Great Plains garden.

• Onions: Chamomile is thought to improve the flavor of onions.
• Cabbage and Broccoli: Chamomile may help repel cabbage moths and other pests that target brassicas.
• Cucumbers: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects that pollinate cucumbers, leading to higher yields.
• Green Beans: Chamomile may improve bean growth and flavor.

Avoid planting chamomile near fennel, as it can inhibit chamomile growth.