Chamomile in Zone 9B — Desert Southwest

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Desert Southwest garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes for soothing teas, and the plant's dainty flowers bring a touch of cottage charm to our arid landscape. Plus, it's incredibly rewarding to harvest your own homegrown herbs, especially ones that thrive in our unique environment.

Sure, desert gardening comes with challenges like extreme heat and alkaline soil, but chamomile's adaptability and our region's two growing seasons make it a manageable and rewarding crop. With a 313-day growing season, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get it right. Proper timing and mindful watering are key to success.

Starting chamomile indoors in the Desert Southwest isn't always necessary, but it can give you a head start, especially for a late winter/early spring harvest. If you choose this method, begin in early to late December, about six weeks before you plan to transplant.

Use seed trays with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist (bottom watering works great to avoid disturbing the tiny seeds) and provide warmth and plenty of light – a grow light is ideal. Keep in mind that our very-early spring character means you'll need to be ready to transplant sooner than gardeners in other regions.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from late January through mid February, after hardening them off for about a week. "Hardening off" simply means gradually exposing the seedlings to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of shade each day and slowly increasing the time and sun exposure.

Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. At transplant time, keep an eye on the forecast for any late-season cold snaps, which can still occur in the Desert Southwest. Protect your young plants with frost cloth if needed.

Direct sowing chamomile is a perfectly viable option in our climate, and it's often the easiest route. Sow seeds directly into the garden from late January through early October. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them with soil.

Ensure the soil is loose, well-draining, and consistently moist until germination. Soil temperatures between 60-70°F are ideal. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they emerge. The benefit of direct sowing is avoiding transplant shock, but you'll need to stay vigilant about watering, especially during our hot, dry spells.

Chamomile is drought-tolerant, but consistent watering, especially during establishment and our extreme heat, is crucial for healthy growth. In the Desert Southwest, timing and technique are everything.

During the cooler months (late January through March and again in late October through December), water deeply about once a week, or when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch – use the "finger test." During our monsoon season (July-September), let nature do some of the work, but supplement with watering if rainfall is scarce. In the peak of summer, you might need to water every other day, but be careful not to overdo it. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature.

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases, even in our arid climate. Signs of underwatering include wilting and dry, crispy leaves. Overwatering leads to leggy growth and yellowing leaves. A layer of mulch, like decomposed granite, helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest about 60 days after planting, typically from late March through late December in our region. The best time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has dried, when the flowers are fully open and the petals have just begun to bend slightly backward.

Gently pluck the flower heads from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems. Chamomile is a cut-and-come-again herb, so regular harvesting encourages more blooms. Dry the flowers for tea by spreading them in a single layer on a screen or tray in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place.

As our first frost approaches in mid- December, continue to harvest any remaining flowers. While chamomile is frost-hardy, a hard freeze can damage the blooms. You can also let the plant overwinter for an even earlier harvest the following spring.

Chamomile, while generally easy to grow, can sometimes be susceptible to a few common pests 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: Small, white, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and especially in leaf axils. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. Often introduced by ants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Control ant populations.

Thrips:

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects (yellow, brown, or black) that cause silvery streaks and distorted growth on leaves and flowers. Black fecal spots may be visible.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that are attracted to light-colored flowers. Thrive in hot, dry weather.
• How to fix/prevent it: Strong water spray. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Sticky traps can help monitor and reduce populations.

Desert Southwest Specific Challenges: The extreme heat and low humidity of our region can stress chamomile plants, making them more vulnerable to pests. Regular watering, providing afternoon shade during the hottest months, and ensuring good air circulation can help keep your plants healthy and resilient. The monsoon season's humidity spikes can also create conditions favorable for fungal diseases, so avoid overhead watering and ensure good drainage.

Chamomile is a wonderful companion plant for many vegetables in the Desert Southwest garden. Planting it near onions, cabbage, and broccoli can help deter pests like cabbage moths and aphids. Chamomile attracts beneficial insects that prey on these pests, creating a healthier environment for your brassicas.

It also benefits cucumbers and green beans. Chamomile improves the flavor of these crops, and its presence can help to repel bean beetles. Avoid planting chamomile near mint or fennel, as these herbs can inhibit its growth. Mint is invasive, and fennel produces chemicals that can be allelopathic.