Chamomile in Zone 9B — Florida

Chamomile is a worthwhile addition to any Florida garden. Its delicate, apple-like aroma and flavor make it perfect for soothing teas, and it attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting your own chamomile is hard to beat, especially when you can enjoy it fresh or dried throughout the year.

While Florida gardening does come with its challenges – humidity, pests, and the summer heat – chamomile's growing season aligns perfectly with our milder months. With a 344-day growing season, you'll find success planting in fall and enjoying the rewards before the heat of summer kicks in.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, but it's not always necessary in our climate. If you want to get a jump on the season, sow seeds indoors from mid November through early December, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix, and keep them in a warm, brightly lit area.

Chamomile seeds are small, so surface sow them and gently press them into the soil. Bottom watering helps prevent damping-off, a common problem in our humid climate. Remember, our spring character is reversed here – we're trying to get a head start before the weather heats up too much.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from early January through early February, after the threat of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind, preventing transplant shock.

Plant them 6-8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those early months can still bring unexpected cold snaps, so be prepared to cover your young plants if needed.

Direct sowing chamomile is a simple and effective method in Florida, thanks to our long growing season. You can sow seeds directly into the garden from early January through mid October. Choose a location with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over 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 a few inches tall.

Chamomile is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, which is a blessing in our humid Florida climate. Overwatering leads to leggy, weak growth and can encourage fungal diseases. During the cooler, drier months (fall, winter, and early spring), water only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch – use the finger test.

In general, aim to provide about ½ inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can contribute to fungal problems in our humid environment. During our wet-summer months, you may not need to water at all, unless we're experiencing a dry spell.

Signs of underwatering include wilting and yellowing leaves. Overwatering symptoms are similar, but the plants may also develop root rot. A light layer of pine straw or other organic mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, but be sure to leave space around the stems to prevent rot.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest about 60 days after planting, typically from early March through early January. 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.

Gently pluck the flowers from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems or surrounding foliage. Chamomile is a continuous harvest crop, so the more you harvest, the more flowers the plant will produce. As the first frost approaches in late December, harvest any remaining flowers to dry and store for winter teas.

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

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, leaves, and in leaf crevices. Stunted growth. Sticky honeydew residue.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, humid conditions. Often introduced by ants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Strong water spray. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Control ant populations.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects (usually black or yellow) that feed on flowers and leaves. Silvery streaks or stippling on foliage. Distorted or damaged blooms.
• What causes it: Small, winged insects that are attracted to light-colored flowers. Thrive in warm, dry conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove infested plant parts. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Blue sticky traps can help monitor and control populations.

Florida Specific Challenges: Our hot, humid summers create the perfect breeding ground for pests and fungal diseases. Maintaining good air circulation around your chamomile plants, avoiding overwatering, and using organic pest control methods can help mitigate these issues. Keep a close eye on your plants and address any problems promptly to keep your chamomile healthy and productive.

Chamomile makes a great companion plant in the Florida garden. It's especially beneficial when planted near onions, cabbage, and broccoli because it can help repel cabbage moths and other pests that commonly attack these crops. The strong scent of chamomile can also deter some pests from cucumbers, and it's said to improve the flavor of green beans planted nearby.

Avoid planting chamomile near mint or fennel. Mint can be invasive and compete for resources, while fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including chamomile. These companions can create challenges in our already competitive Florida gardens.