Chamomile in Zone 8A — Texas

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Texas garden. Its delicate apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and its cheerful little flowers bring a touch of charm to your landscape. Plus, it's relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, which is a huge win during our unpredictable Texas summers.

We all know Texas weather can be a handful, with everything from the brutal heat to surprise freezes. But don't let that scare you off. With our long growing season—around 260 days—you've got plenty of time to get chamomile established and enjoy its benefits.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, but it's not always necessary here in Texas. If you're aiming for an extra-early harvest or want more control over the initial growing conditions, starting seeds indoors is a good idea.

Begin in early to late January, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist by bottom watering and provide warmth and bright light (a grow light works wonders). Remember, our spring can arrive early, so getting a jump start can be beneficial.

Once the weather starts to warm up in mid February through mid March, your chamomile seedlings will be ready for transplanting. Before moving them permanently outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to the elements for about a week.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and space the plants about 6-8 inches apart. Keep an eye on the forecast; those late cold snaps can still happen, so be prepared to cover your young plants if a freeze is predicted.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method in Texas, especially given our long growing season. You can sow seeds directly into the garden from mid February through early September.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Chamomile prefers well-drained soil. Scatter the tiny seeds on the surface and gently press them in. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Direct sowing is a good option if you're not worried about getting the absolute earliest harvest, and it avoids the hassle of transplanting.

Chamomile is relatively drought-tolerant, which is a blessing in the Texas heat. However, it still needs consistent watering, especially during the hottest parts of the year. Overwatering can lead to leggy growth and other problems, so it's crucial to find the right balance.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent, water deeply about once a week, if needed. In the peak of summer, when the Texas heat is relentless, you might need to water every few days, especially if the humidity is low. 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, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity. Mulching around your chamomile plants with organic matter like shredded bark or compost helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, which is always a plus. Watch for signs of underwatering (wilting, yellowing leaves) and overwatering (soggy soil, yellowing leaves with brown spots).

You can expect your first chamomile harvest around mid April, and it'll continue through late November. The flowers are ready to harvest when the petals bend slightly backward. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried.

Gently pluck the flower heads off the plant, being careful not to damage the stems. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production, so don't be shy about picking those blossoms. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining flowers to dry and store for winter teas.

Even with its easy-going nature, chamomile can run into a few problems in Texas. Here are three common issues and how to deal with them:

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, distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Rapid-reproducing sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm weather. Ant colonies often "farm" them for their honeydew.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong spray of water can knock them off. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as it attracts aphids.

Mealybugs

• What it looks like: Small, white, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and in leaf joints. They suck plant sap, causing weakened growth and yellowing leaves.
• What causes it: These pests are attracted to stressed plants and can be more prevalent during periods of drought and heat.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation around your plants.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that feed on plant tissue, causing silvery streaks and distorted flowers and leaves.
• What causes it: Thrips are more active in hot, dry conditions, which we often experience in Texas.
• How to fix/prevent it: Encourage natural predators like lacewings and minute pirate bugs. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove and destroy any heavily infested plant parts.

Texas Specific Challenges: The extreme heat and variable humidity of Texas can create a breeding ground for pests and diseases. Consistent monitoring and proactive measures like proper watering, good air circulation, and regular pest control are essential for keeping your chamomile healthy and productive.

Chamomile is a friendly plant that benefits many of its neighbors.

Good companions include onions, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, and green beans. Onions deter pests like aphids, while chamomile can improve the flavor of cabbage and broccoli. Cucumbers and green beans benefit from chamomile's ability to attract beneficial insects that help with pollination and pest control.

Avoid planting chamomile near mint or basil. These herbs can be aggressive and compete for resources, potentially stunting the growth of your chamomile.