Chamomile in Zone 7A — Mid-Atlantic

Chamomile is a worthwhile addition to any Mid-Atlantic garden. The delicate, apple-like flavor of its flowers makes a soothing tea, and it's a lovely addition to the landscape. Plus, the satisfaction of brewing a cup from your own homegrown herbs is hard to beat, especially after a long day dealing with our humid summers.

While we have our share of gardening challenges in the Mid-Atlantic, like deer pressure and occasional Japanese beetle infestations, Chamomile is relatively low-maintenance. Our 208-day growing season gives you plenty of time to establish a healthy patch and enjoy multiple harvests.

Starting Chamomile indoors is definitely an option, but not always necessary given our reliable rainfall and moderate spring. If you're eager to get a head start, begin in early to late February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm spot with plenty of light.

Bottom watering can help prevent damping-off, especially since our spring weather can be unpredictable. Just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom.

Transplant your Chamomile seedlings outdoors in late March through mid April. Before you do, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind, especially important considering our variable spring weather.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the forecast for any late frost warnings, and be ready to cover your seedlings if needed.

Direct sowing Chamomile is easy and often just as successful as starting indoors. Sow seeds directly outdoors from late March through mid August. Chamomile needs light to germinate, so just press the seeds lightly into the soil instead of burying them deeply.

Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they're a few inches tall. Direct sowing is a great option if you have plenty of space and want to avoid the hassle of transplanting.

Chamomile is relatively drought-tolerant, which is good news for Mid-Atlantic gardeners dealing with our humid summers. Overwatering is a much bigger concern than underwatering, as it can lead to leggy growth and weak plants.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more frequent, you probably won't need to water much at all. Let the rain do its job! In the heat of summer, check the soil moisture regularly. 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, including rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate.

Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves. Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn pale green or yellow, and the stems may become soft and mushy. A light layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, especially important in our region.

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 but before the sun gets too hot. Look for flowers where the petals have just begun to bend slightly backward.

Gently pluck the flower heads from the stems, being careful not to damage the plant. Chamomile is a continuous harvest crop, so the more you pick, the more it will produce. As the first frost approaches in late October, harvest all remaining flowers, even the ones that aren't fully open. You can dry them indoors for tea.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing Chamomile in the Mid-Atlantic:

Aphids *What it looks like:* Clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. You might also see a sticky honeydew residue or curled/distorted new growth. *What causes it:* These rapid-reproducing sap-sucking insects love warm weather, and we certainly get that in the Mid-Atlantic. Ant colonies often "farm" them for honeydew, so watch out for that. *How to fix/prevent it:* A strong spray of water from your hose can knock them off. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, which attracts them.

Mealybugs *What it looks like:* White, cottony masses on stems and undersides of leaves. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves may also be present. *What causes it:* These sap-sucking insects thrive in warm, humid conditions, which the Mid-Atlantic provides plenty of. They often hide in crevices, making them difficult to spot early on. *How to fix/prevent it:* Dab individual mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation around plants to discourage them.

Thrips *What it looks like:* Tiny, slender insects (usually yellow or brown) on flowers and leaves. You might see silvery streaks or distorted growth. *What causes it:* Thrips are attracted to light-colored flowers and can spread quickly in warm, dry weather. While we have humidity, periods of drier weather can still lead to thrip problems. *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. Remove any infested plant parts to prevent them from spreading.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and humid conditions can create a favorable environment for pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and good air circulation are key to keeping your Chamomile healthy. Even with our even rainfall, be sure not to overwater, as this can weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to problems.

Chamomile makes a great companion plant for several vegetables in the Mid-Atlantic garden. It's said to improve the flavor and growth of onions, cabbage, and broccoli. Planting it near cucumbers can help attract pollinators, leading to better yields. Green beans also benefit from Chamomile's presence, as it can help repel bean beetles.

There aren't any well-known bad companions for Chamomile, so feel free to experiment and see what works best in your garden.