Chamomile in Zone 7B — Texas

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Texas garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and it's a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your flower beds. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown tea ingredients is hard to beat, especially when you've nurtured them through our unpredictable Texas weather.

Our long growing season here in Zone 7B gives you plenty of time to get chamomile established, whether you start indoors or sow directly. Don't let the thought of the Texas heat scare you off; with the right timing, chamomile can thrive and provide you with blooms for months. Our 255-day season offers plenty of chances for success.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, especially if you're aiming for an early spring harvest. Begin in early to late January, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. This allows the seedlings to get a good root system before facing the Texas elements.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, using bottom watering to avoid disturbing the tiny seeds. A warm location and grow lights are beneficial to ensure even germination, as our spring can show up pretty early.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors in late February through late March, after the risk of a hard freeze has passed. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Texas sun and wind.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the forecast; our weather can be unpredictable, and a late cold snap might require you to cover the young plants for protection.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method, especially if you're not in a rush for an early harvest. Sow seeds directly into the garden from late February through early September. This wide window takes advantage of our long growing season.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Scatter the tiny seeds on the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they are established. Direct sowing is best done in spring or early fall, avoiding the peak of the Texas heat.

Chamomile is relatively drought-tolerant, which is a blessing during our hot Texas summers. However, consistent watering is crucial, especially during the initial establishment phase. Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to leggy, weak growth.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water. In the heat of summer, you might need to water every other day, depending on rainfall and soil drainage. Use the finger test: if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water.

Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting and yellowing leaves, while overwatering can cause root rot and stunted growth. A layer of organic mulch, like shredded leaves or pine straw, helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest about 60 days after planting, typically from late April through late November in Texas. The key is to watch the flowers; harvest them when the petals begin to bend slightly backward from the center.

The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. This ensures the highest concentration of essential oils. Gently snip the flower heads from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.

As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest all remaining flowers. Dry them thoroughly for tea or other uses. Even if the plant experiences a light freeze, it might bounce back in the spring, giving you an even earlier start next year.

Here are some common problems you might encounter growing chamomile in Texas:

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, leaves, and in leaf joints. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves. *What causes it:* Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, humid conditions. They often hide in crevices, making them difficult to spot. *How to fix/prevent it:* Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent infestations. Check plants regularly, especially in warm weather.

Thrips *What it looks like:* Tiny, slender insects (yellow, brown, or black) that feed on plant sap. Silver streaks or mottled patches on leaves. Distorted or damaged flowers. *What causes it:* These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions, which we often experience in Texas. They can quickly multiply and cause significant damage. *How to fix/prevent it:* Strong water spray can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective treatments. Encourage beneficial insects like lacewings and predatory mites. Keep the garden free of weeds, which can harbor thrips.

*Texas Specific Challenges:* The hot-to-extreme heat and variable humidity of Texas can stress chamomile, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Consistent monitoring and proactive measures are crucial to keeping your plants healthy. Unpredictable rainfall can also lead to overwatering issues if you're not careful.

Chamomile makes a great companion plant in the Texas garden.

Good companions:

• Onions: Chamomile is said to improve the flavor of onions and may deter onion flies.
• Cabbage and Broccoli: Chamomile can help repel cabbage moths, a common pest in Texas gardens.
• Cucumbers: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects that can help pollinate cucumber plants and deter pests.
• Green Beans: Chamomile may improve the growth and flavor of green beans. Plus, it attracts pollinators that benefit bean production.

Avoid planting chamomile near fennel, as they can inhibit each other's growth. Also, be mindful of aggressive spreaders that might outcompete chamomile in our long growing season.