Chamomile in Zone 9A — Desert Southwest

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Desert Southwest garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and its pretty flowers attract beneficial insects to your garden. Plus, the satisfaction of brewing a cup of tea from your own backyard is hard to beat.

While our extreme summer heat and alkaline soil present unique challenges, Chamomile is surprisingly well-suited to our two growing seasons. With a little planning around the shoulder seasons, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest during our long 298-day growing season.

Starting Chamomile indoors can give you a head start, especially if you're aiming for an early spring harvest. Begin sowing seeds indoors from mid December through early January, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm spot with plenty of light – a sunny windowsill or under grow lights will do the trick.

To keep the soil consistently moist without disturbing the tiny seeds, try bottom watering. Simply place the seed tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil absorb the moisture from below. Remember, our very-early spring means you need to get a jump on things well before most of the country.

Transplant your Chamomile seedlings outdoors from early February through early March. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and temperature changes, which can be dramatic here.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and space the plants 6-8 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – even in early February, we can sometimes get a late cold snap, so be prepared to cover your seedlings if necessary.

Direct sowing Chamomile is an easy and effective method, especially if you're looking for a more naturalized look in your garden. Sow seeds directly into the ground from early February through late September. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury them too deeply – just lightly press them into the soil.

Ensure the soil is loose and well-draining, and keep it consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they're a few inches tall. A pro to direct sowing is that the plants will be acclimated, but the con is that germination can be slower and less reliable than starting indoors.

Chamomile is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for desert gardening. However, consistent watering, especially during the establishment phase and during our extreme summer heat, is key. Aim to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

During the cooler months (late fall through early spring), you may only need to water once a week, or even less if we're getting monsoon moisture. In the heat of summer, increase watering to 2-3 times per week, depending on soil drainage and sun exposure. Use the finger test: stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water. As a general guide, give your Chamomile about 1 inch of water per week.

Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, though our arid climate makes this less of a concern than in more humid regions. Signs of underwatering include wilting and yellowing leaves. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to leggy, weak growth and root rot. A light layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or compost, can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

You can expect your first Chamomile harvest from early April through mid December, 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 intense. Look for flowers where the petals are just beginning to bend slightly backward – this indicates they're at their peak flavor and medicinal properties.

To harvest, simply snip the flower heads off with scissors or pinch them off with your fingers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so don't be afraid to pick them often!

As our first frost approaches in early December, you can harvest any remaining flowers to dry indoors. This will allow you to enjoy your homegrown Chamomile tea throughout the winter months.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Chamomile in the Desert Southwest:

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: White, cottony masses on stems and leaves, often in the joints. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They can be brought in on new plants or spread by ants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Strong water spray can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Control ant populations.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that cause silvery streaks and distorted growth on leaves and flowers. Black fecal spots may also be present.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They can be spread by wind and other insects.
• How to fix/prevent it: Strong water spray can help. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Blue sticky traps can help monitor and control populations. Keep the area around your plants free of weeds and debris.

Desert Southwest Specific Challenges: Our extreme heat can stress Chamomile, making it more susceptible to pests. Low humidity can also exacerbate thrips infestations. During monsoon rainfall, watch out for fungal diseases and ensure good air circulation. The alkaline soil is usually fine for Chamomile, but amend with compost if needed to improve drainage and nutrient availability.

Chamomile is a great companion plant for several vegetables in the Desert Southwest.

• Onions: Chamomile is said to improve the flavor of onions.
• Cabbage and Broccoli: Chamomile helps repel cabbage moths, a common pest in our region.
• Cucumbers: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects that can help pollinate cucumber flowers.
• Green Beans: Chamomile can deter bean beetles and improve bean growth.

Avoid planting Chamomile near fennel, as it can inhibit its growth.