Chamomile, known for its delicate daisy-like flowers and soothing properties, is a popular herb in gardens worldwide.
Whether you're interested in its use for teas, natural remedies, or simply to enhance your garden's beauty, growing chamomile is both rewarding and straightforward.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps for planting, nurturing, and maintaining a healthy chamomile plant, ensuring you can enjoy its many benefits right from your garden.
Introduction to Chamomile
Chamomile is a term that typically refers to two main types of the plant: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
Both types have similar uses and appearances but differ in growth habits and longevity. German chamomile is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season, whereas Roman chamomile is a perennial, returning year after year.
Chamomile has been traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly in teas, to help with sleep, digestion, and stress. Its flowers contain essential oils and flavonoids that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
In addition to its medicinal uses, chamomile is also appreciated for its ability to attract beneficial insects and for its role in companion planting.
Selecting the Right Type of Chamomile
German Chamomile
- Growth Habit: Upright and reaches up to 24 inches in height.
- Lifecycle: Annual.
- Flowering: Produces a large number of small, daisy-like flowers.
- Best Use: Ideal for tea and medicinal purposes due to its higher essential oil content.
Roman Chamomile
- Growth Habit: Low-growing and spreads, reaching about 12 inches in height.
- Lifecycle: Perennial.
- Flowering: Fewer flowers compared to German chamomile but still aromatic and beautiful.
- Best Use: Excellent for ground cover and ornamental use, though it can also be used for tea.
Growing Conditions
Climate
Chamomile is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of climates but thrives best in temperate regions. It can tolerate light frost, making it suitable for early spring planting. Optimal temperatures for chamomile range from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20 degrees Celsius).
Soil
Chamomile prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. It can grow in poorer soils where other plants might struggle, but adding organic matter such as compost can enhance growth and flower production.
Light
Both German and Roman chamomile require full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent the plants from wilting or becoming stressed.
Water
Chamomile plants prefer moderate watering. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal issues, while underwatering can cause the plants to become dry and stressed.
Planting Chamomile
From Seeds
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Sowing Indoors: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seed trays filled with a light, well-draining seed starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them lightly without covering them, as chamomile seeds require light to germinate.
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Sowing Outdoors: If you prefer to directly sow, wait until after the last frost. Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil and removing any weeds. Scatter the seeds thinly over the soil surface and press them in lightly.
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Germination: Chamomile seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Maintain a consistent moisture level during this period to ensure successful germination.
From Transplants
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Preparing the Site: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. If planting in rows, space the plants 8-10 inches apart for German chamomile and about 12 inches apart for Roman chamomile.
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Transplanting: When the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and all risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors. Handle the seedlings gently to avoid damaging the delicate roots.
Caring for Chamomile
Watering
Chamomile requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
Chamomile is not a heavy feeder and often does well without additional fertilization. However, incorporating compost or a balanced, organic fertilizer into the soil before planting can provide a nutrient boost. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Mulching
Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use straw, wood chips, or compost as mulch, but avoid piling it against the plant stems.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. For Roman chamomile, occasional trimming can help maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Pests and Diseases
Chamomile is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by:
- Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken plants. Use insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to dislodge them.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk.
- Root Rot: Caused by overly wet soil. Improve drainage and avoid waterlogging.
Harvesting Chamomile
Timing
Chamomile flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open, with white petals lying flat or slightly drooping back. This is usually in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate and planting time.
Method
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Using Scissors or Snips: Gently snip the flower heads just below the base of the petals, being careful not to damage the stems and remaining buds.
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By Hand: Pinch the base of the flower head and twist it off the stem.
Drying Chamomile
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Air Drying: Spread the flowers in a single layer on a clean, dry surface such as a screen or paper towel. Place them in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Turn the flowers occasionally to ensure even drying.
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Using a Dehydrator: Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (95-115 degrees Fahrenheit or 35-46 degrees Celsius) and dry the flowers until they are crisp and brittle.
Storing Dried Chamomile
Once dried, store chamomile flowers in an airtight container away from light and moisture. Properly stored dried chamomile can last up to a year while retaining its flavor and medicinal properties.
Using Chamomile
Tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular uses for this herb. To make chamomile tea:
- Ingredients: Use 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers per cup of boiling water.
- Brewing: Steep the flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. Add honey or lemon for additional flavor if desired.
Skin Care
Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it a common ingredient in skincare products. Chamomile-infused oil or tea can be used in baths, compresses, and homemade skincare recipes to soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
Companion Planting
Chamomile is an excellent companion plant in the garden. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that help control pests. Plant chamomile near vegetables such as cabbage, onions, and beans to improve their growth and health.
Aromatherapy
The essential oils extracted from chamomile flowers are used in aromatherapy for their calming and relaxing effects. Chamomile oil can be diffused, added to baths, or used in massage blends to promote relaxation and relieve stress.
Common Problems
Poor Germination
If chamomile seeds fail to germinate, consider the following factors:
- Light: Chamomile seeds need light to germinate. Ensure they are not buried too deeply in the soil.
- Moisture: Maintain consistent moisture levels without waterlogging the soil.
- Temperature: Ensure the soil temperature is within the optimal range of 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit (15-20 degrees Celsius).
Leggy Seedlings
Leggy seedlings can occur due to insufficient light or overcrowding. Ensure seedlings receive plenty of light and thin them to provide adequate space.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest issues. Check soil moisture levels, consider a balanced fertilizer, and inspect for pests.
Chamomile Varieties to Consider
German Chamomile Varieties
- ‘Bodegold’: Known for its high essential oil content and uniform flower heads.
- ‘Zloty Lan’: A Polish variety prized for its large flowers and potent aroma.
Roman Chamomile Varieties
- ‘Treneague’: A non-flowering variety often used as a ground cover due to its dense, carpet-like growth.
- ‘Flore Pleno’: Features double flowers and is particularly ornamental.
Growing Chamomile Indoors
Chamomile can also be grown indoors, making it accessible to those without garden space.
Container Selection
Choose a pot with good drainage holes and a diameter of at least 8 inches. Chamomile has a relatively shallow root system, so a deep container is not necessary.
Soil and Planting
Use a well-draining potting mix, and sow seeds on the surface, pressing them lightly into the soil. Place the pot in a sunny location or under grow lights to ensure the plants receive adequate light.
Care
Maintain consistent moisture, and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Indoor chamomile may require more frequent watering due to the limited soil volume.
Benefits of Growing Chamomile
Medicinal Uses
Chamomile is renowned for its medicinal properties, which include:
- Digestive Aid: Chamomile tea can help soothe digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
- Sleep Aid: The calming effects of chamomile make it an excellent natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritations, muscle pain, and other inflammatory conditions.
Environmental Benefits
Chamomile plants can enhance your garden's ecosystem by attracting beneficial insects and improving soil health. As a companion plant, chamomile can help deter pests and improve the growth of neighboring plants.
Aesthetic Appeal
Chamomile adds a charming and serene aesthetic to any garden or indoor space with its delicate, daisy-like flowers and pleasant fragrance.
