How To Grow Chamomile

How to Grow Chamomile

Choosing the Right Chamomile Variety

There are two main types you’ll come across: *German chamomile* (*Matricaria recutita*) and *Roman chamomile* (*Chamaemelum nobile*).

German chamomile is an annual, grows taller, and is often used for making tea. Roman chamomile is a perennial and stays low, making it great for ground cover.

Planting Chamomile

When to Plant

Spring is the best season to sow chamomile seeds. Wait until after the last frost has passed.

Chamomile loves cool weather to start but prefers full sun as it grows.

How to Plant

Sow the seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors about six weeks before your last frost date.

1. Prepare the soil by raking it smooth and moistening it lightly.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them with soil.
3. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.

Soil and Watering

Chamomile isn't fussy about soil but prefers well-drained, sandy loam. A little compost mixed in never hurts.

In the beginning, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, chamomile is quite drought-tolerant.

Overwatering is the quickest way to kill chamomile. Less is more!

Sunlight and Temperature

Chamomile thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.

The ideal temperature for chamomile is between 60-68°F (15-20°C). Hotter weather can make the plants bolt.

Maintenance and Care

One of the reasons I adore growing chamomile is its low maintenance. Just thin the seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart once they're 2 inches tall.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. You can trim the plants back if they start to look leggy.

Pest and Disease Management

Chamomile is generally pest-resistant. *Aphids* and *spider mites* can sometimes be a problem but are easily managed with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting Chamomile

The best time to harvest chamomile is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the midday sun.

Snip off the flower heads when they are fully open. Use them fresh or dry them for later use.

Drying and Storing

Spread the flowers out on a screen or paper towel in a warm, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They should be dry in about a week.

Store the dried flowers in an airtight container. They can last up to a year and still make a delightful cup of tea!

Personal Tips

I remember my first batch of chamomile. I underestimated the seeds' need for light and buried them. Nothing sprouted! Lesson learned: a light hand for light-loving seeds.

Also, I always companion plant chamomile with my cucumbers and cabbages. They seem happier, and the chamomile supposedly attracts beneficial insects.

Final Thoughts

Growing chamomile is straightforward and rewarding. You can sip your home-grown chamomile tea while basking in the beauty of its delicate blooms.

Trust me, there's nothing quite like it.

Growing chamomile has multiple benefits, both for medicinal and culinary purposes. In the garden, it's a low-maintenance and pest-resistant herb that flowers throughout the summer and attracts valuable beneficial insects. On the kitchen counter, it is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of recipes, from tea to ice cream, to add flavor and delicate color. Medicinally, chamomile is a calming and soothing herb that can help reduce anxiety and is widely used to aid digestion. Additionally, chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can provide relief for skin conditions, colds and more.