Chamomile in Zone 9B — Southern California

Chamomile is a fantastic addition to any Southern California garden. Its delicate, apple-like flavor makes a soothing tea, and it attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Plus, the satisfaction of harvesting your own calming chamomile in our mild climate is hard to beat!

While we face challenges like water restrictions and the summer heat inland, chamomile is surprisingly well-suited. Its drought tolerance and relatively short growing season mean you can enjoy a year-round harvest, making the most of our 334-day growing season.

Starting chamomile indoors gives you a head start, especially if you want blooms early in the season. Sow seeds indoors from late November through mid December, about six weeks before you plan to transplant. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix and provide warmth, either with a heat mat or by placing them in a warm location.

Chamomile seeds are small and need light to germinate, so gently press them into the soil surface instead of burying them. Bottom watering will keep the soil consistently moist without disturbing the delicate seeds. Given our very-early spring character, starting indoors lets you get a jump on the season.

Transplant your chamomile seedlings outdoors from mid January through early February, once they have a few sets of true leaves. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and temperature changes.

Space plants about 6-8 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather during this time. Even though our winters are mild, we can still get unexpected cold snaps, so be ready to cover your seedlings if a frost is predicted.

Direct sowing is a simple way to grow chamomile, and it works well in our climate. Sow seeds directly into the garden from mid January through mid October. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds.

Sprinkle the seeds on the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes about 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they are established. Direct sowing is easy, but indoor starting gives you more control over early growth.

Chamomile is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering, which is perfect for our water-wise gardens in Southern California. During the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, rainfall might be enough to keep your chamomile happy.

During the hotter, drier summer months inland, you'll need to water more regularly. 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 1 inch of water per week during the summer, watering deeply at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

Overwatering can lead to leggy growth and root rot, so be cautious. Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves. A light layer of mulch, like wood chips or straw, will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

You can expect your first chamomile harvest around mid March, about 60 days after planting. Chamomile flowers are ready to harvest when the petals start to bend slightly backward. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, as this is when the flowers have the highest concentration of essential oils.

Gently pluck the flowers from the stems, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, and you can enjoy fresh chamomile blooms well into early January. As late December approaches and the first frost threatens, harvest any remaining flowers to dry for tea.

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

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 leaf joints. Stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Sticky honeydew.
• What causes it: Sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They can be spread by ants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Wipe off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Strong water spray can dislodge them. Introduce beneficial insects like lacewings. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.

Thrips

• What it looks like: Tiny, slender insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Silvery streaks or spots on leaves. Distorted or damaged flowers.
• What causes it: These pests suck plant juices, causing damage that appears as silvery or distorted foliage. They love hot, dry weather.
• How to fix/prevent it: Encourage natural predators like lacewings and predatory mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control infestations. Keep the garden clean of debris.

Southern California Specific Challenges: Our hot, dry summers and occasional Santa Ana winds can stress chamomile plants, making them more susceptible to pests. Regular watering and mulching can help keep your plants healthy and resilient. Monitor plants closely, especially during heat waves, for early signs of pest infestations.

Chamomile makes a great companion plant in the Southern California garden. Planting it near onions, cabbage, and broccoli can help deter pests like cabbage moths and aphids. The strong scent of chamomile confuses these pests, protecting your veggies.

Chamomile also benefits cucumbers and green beans by attracting pollinators like bees and hoverflies, leading to better yields. Avoid planting chamomile near mint, as they can compete for resources and chamomile prefers drier conditions.