Chamomile in Zone 7A — Midwest

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and the plant's cheerful, daisy-like flowers bring a touch of whimsy to your herb garden. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to harvest your own homegrown herbs, especially when our fertile soil helps them thrive.

Our Midwest weather can be unpredictable, with cold winters and occasional summer heat spells. However, Chamomile's hardiness and relatively short 60-day maturity mean you can easily fit a couple of harvests into our 193-day growing season. Careful timing will let you enjoy chamomile all season long.

Starting Chamomile indoors is possible, especially if you're eager to get a head start, but it's not always necessary here in the Midwest. If you're considering starting seeds indoors, aim for early to late February, roughly six weeks before you plan to transplant. This gives the seedlings a good head start before our variable spring weather arrives.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and make sure they have adequate drainage. Chamomile needs warmth and light to germinate, so a heat mat and grow light can be helpful. A little bottom watering keeps the seedlings happy without disturbing the delicate roots.

Transplanting Chamomile seedlings outdoors should happen after any danger of hard frost has passed, typically from late March through late April in our region. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Midwest weather and prevents shock.

When transplanting, space the plants 6-8 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit. Keep an eye on the weather forecast during this period, as late frost can still occur. If frost is predicted, cover your young plants with frost blankets or old sheets.

Direct sowing Chamomile is a simple and effective method, especially given our fertile soil. You can direct sow from late March through early August, giving you a wide window of opportunity. Direct sowing skips the transplanting step, which some gardeners prefer.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Chamomile seeds are tiny, so sow them shallowly and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes about a week. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they emerge.

Chamomile is relatively drought-tolerant, which is a bonus during our occasional Midwest summer heat spells. However, it's important to provide adequate water, especially when plants are young. The key is to find the right balance, as overwatering can lead to leggy growth and other problems.

During the spring and early summer, when rainfall is more frequent, you may only need to water once a week if there hasn't been significant rain. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. 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 rather than overhead, especially given our moderate-to-humid summers. Overhead watering can promote fungal diseases. Signs of underwatering include wilting or drooping leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and potential root rot.

A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful during the hotter months. Organic mulches like straw or shredded leaves work well in the Midwest.

You can expect your first Chamomile harvest about 60 days after planting, which means late May through late October for those of us in the Midwest. The flowers are ready to harvest when the petals bend slightly backward. Harvesting in the morning after the dew has dried is ideal, as this is when the essential oils are most concentrated.

To harvest, simply snip the flower heads off with scissors or gently pluck them off with your fingers. Be careful not to damage the surrounding plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so don't be shy about picking those flowers!

As our first frost approaches in mid- October, harvest any remaining flowers. You can dry them for tea or other uses. To dry, spread the flowers in a single layer on a screen or tray in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Once they're completely dry, store them in an airtight container.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing Chamomile in the Midwest:

Aphids *What it looks like:* Clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. You might also see sticky honeydew residue or curled, distorted new growth. *What causes it:* Aphids are rapid-reproducing sap-sucking insects. Their populations explode in warm weather. Sometimes ant colonies "farm" them for their honeydew. *How to fix/prevent it:* A strong spray of water can knock them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators. Insecticidal soap works well for heavy infestations. Neem oil is another effective systemic treatment. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, which attracts them.

Mealybugs *What it looks like:* White, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and in leaf joints. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves. *What causes it:* Mealybugs thrive in warm, humid conditions, which can occur during our Midwest summers. They suck sap from the plant, weakening it. *How to fix/prevent it:* Wipe away small infestations with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation around your plants to deter mealybugs.

Thrips *What it looks like:* Tiny, slender insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Silvery or mottled leaves, distorted flowers, and black specks (their droppings). *What causes it:* Thrips are attracted to stressed plants and can become a problem during hot, dry spells. *How to fix/prevent it:* Encourage beneficial insects like lacewings and minute pirate bugs. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control thrip populations. Keep your plants well-watered and healthy to reduce their susceptibility.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and moderate-to-humid conditions can create an environment where pests like aphids and mealybugs thrive. Regular monitoring and proactive measures are key to keeping your Chamomile healthy.

Chamomile is a great companion plant in the Midwest garden, attracting beneficial insects and improving the overall health of your garden.

Good companions include onions, cabbage, and broccoli. Chamomile is thought to improve the flavor of these plants. Cucumbers also benefit from Chamomile, as it attracts pollinators that help with fruit set. Green beans can benefit from Chamomile's pest-repelling properties.

Avoid planting Chamomile near mint, as they can compete for resources and Chamomile doesn't like mint.