Care Guide for Central Texas (Zone 8b)

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Sun Requirements 

• Chamomile loves sun but is sensitive to Austin’s harsh late‑afternoon heat.
• It performs best with full morning sun and partial afternoon shade.
• Direct 3-7 PM sun in July-August can cause leaf scorch and stalled blooms.
• If your chamomile looks wilted or crispy in late afternoon, it’s asking for shade cloth or relocation.

Watering 

Chamomile prefers consistent, light moisture without being soggy.

• Water deeply 1-2× per week in beds.
• Containers may need watering every 1-2 days during heat waves.
• Avoid overhead watering at night to prevent mildew.
• Mulch lightly to slow evaporation.

Signs of underwatering: droopy leaves and slow bloom production.

Signs of overwatering: yellowing leaves and powdery mildew.

Soil & Fertilizer (Organic‑Only)

Use a well‑draining mix: compost & coconut coir & perlite.

Chamomile prefers lean soil – too much fertilizer reduces bloom production.

Container chamomile

• Monthly compost tea
• Monthly diluted fish emulsion (½ strength)
• Monthly worm castings
• Light feeder; too much nitrogen = floppy stems & fewer flowers
• Containers dry out faster, so gentle monthly feeding keeps blooms steady without pushing excess foliage

In‑ground chamomile

• Monthly compost tea & worm castings
• Diluted fish emulsion only if growth is weak
• In-ground plants often need even less feeding because chamomile is naturally modest and prefers lean soil
• Heavy nitrogen reduces flower production and aroma

Synthetic fertilizers make chamomile leafy but reduce flowers.

Organic Pest Control 

Chamomile attracts beneficial insects but can still face:

• Aphids
• Leaf miners
• Spider mites during drought
• Occasional caterpillars

Organic solutions:

• Neem oil at dusk
• Insecticidal soap for aphids
• BT for caterpillars
• Increase airflow to prevent mildew
• Encourage ladybugs and lacewings

Avoid chemical pesticides – chamomile is beloved by pollinators.

Container vs In‑Ground Care

Container Care

• 1-3 gal containers are perfect
• Water more frequently than in‑ground plants
• Fertilize lightly
• Containers help avoid mildew by improving airflow

In‑Ground Care

• Plant in raised beds or amended soil
• Provide afternoon shade during peak summer
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture
• Watch for powdery mildew in humid spells

Warnings

• Chamomile may stall during extreme heat – this is normal.
• Afternoon shade improves bloom production and plant longevity.
• Deadhead spent flowers to keep blooms coming.

Harvest Instructions

Chamomile thrives with regular harvesting.

• Pick blooms daily or every other day.
• Harvest in the morning after dew dries.
• Choose fully open flowers with bright centers.
• Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Frequent harvesting = more blooms.

Drying & Storage

Chamomile dries beautifully:

• Pluck flower heads
• Spread on screens or paper towels
• Air‑dry in a shaded, ventilated area
• Or dehydrate at 95-105°F

Store dried chamomile in airtight jars away from sunlight.

Properly dried chamomile keeps for 6-12 months and retains aroma well.

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