Chamomile in Zone 7A — Pacific Northwest

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Pacific Northwest garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes for soothing teas, and it's incredibly versatile in the kitchen and for medicinal uses. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting your own chamomile under our mild summer sun, followed by cool nights that concentrate its flavors, is hard to beat.

While we might not have the blazing heat of other regions, our long, mild fall and relatively consistent moisture (outside of the dry summer months) give chamomile a great head start. Our 183-day growing season is plenty long enough to get multiple harvests, especially if you plan ahead.

Starting chamomile indoors can give you a jumpstart, especially if you're eager for an early harvest. Sow seeds from 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 consistently moist by bottom watering to avoid disturbing the tiny seeds.

Chamomile needs warmth to germinate, so a heat mat can be helpful, especially with our overcast spring days. Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders to prevent leggy growth, since natural light can be weak during that time of year.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from early April through early May, after the risk of hard frost has passed. Before planting, harden them off for about a week by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. This helps them adjust to the cooler temperatures and stronger sunlight we get, even in early spring.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Be mindful of slugs, which can be a nuisance in our wet springs.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method. Sow seeds directly into the garden from early April through early August. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so gently press them into the soil surface instead of burying them deeply.

Make sure the soil is consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they are large enough to handle. Direct sowing works best when the soil has warmed up a bit, so waiting until late spring or early summer can improve germination rates.

Chamomile is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, which is a plus during our dry summer months. Overwatering can lead to leggy growth and other problems, so it's best to err on the side of caution. During our wet springs, you might not need to water at all unless the weather is unusually dry.

Once the dry summer months arrive, 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, watering deeply at the base of the plants rather than overhead to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

In the Pacific Northwest's dry-summer climate, chamomile generally needs less supplemental watering than in other regions. Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves, while overwatering can cause root rot. A light layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool during our mild summers.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest starting in early June, and continue harvesting through late October. 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 are just beginning to bend slightly backward.

To harvest, simply snip off the flower heads with scissors or your fingers. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more flowers, so don't be shy about picking them. As first frost approaches in mid-October, harvest any remaining flowers to dry and enjoy throughout the winter.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with chamomile in the Pacific Northwest:

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. You might also notice a sticky honeydew residue or curled and distorted new growth.
• What causes it: These sap-sucking insects reproduce rapidly, especially in warm weather. Ant colonies may "farm" them for the honeydew they produce.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong spray of water can knock aphids off your plants. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this attracts aphids.

Mealybugs

• What it looks like: White, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and in leaf joints. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
• What causes it: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, humid conditions. They can spread quickly, especially in crowded plantings.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe off small infestations with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation around plants to discourage mealybugs.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Silvery streaks or stippling on leaves and flower petals. Distorted or damaged flowers.
• What causes it: Thrips are sap-feeding insects that can cause significant damage to plants. They are attracted to light-colored flowers and foliage.
• How to fix/prevent it: Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge thrips. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove weeds and debris around plants to eliminate potential hiding places.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Our mild summer heat and dry-summer humidity can actually be beneficial for chamomile, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that plague other regions. However, our wet springs can create favorable conditions for slugs and aphids, so be vigilant and take preventative measures early in the season.

Chamomile is a great companion plant for many garden vegetables. It attracts beneficial insects and can even improve the flavor of some crops.

Good companions include onions, cabbage, and broccoli. Chamomile is thought to deter cabbage moths. Cucumber and beans-green also benefit from being planted near chamomile, which can help repel certain pests and attract pollinators.

Avoid planting chamomile near mint, as they compete for resources.