Chamomile German is a fragrant herb that produces daisy-like flowers with a sweet, apple-pineapple aroma. Renowned for its calming properties, Chamomile is perfect for soothing teas that aid digestion and promote restful sleep. Its flowers and leaves also have antiseptic qualities, making it a versatile addition to herbal gardens. Easy to grow, this charming annual thrives in sunny, well-drained areas.
Chamomile Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow chamomile seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. Chamomile tolerates light frost and grows well in cool weather.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in warmer climates. Chamomile thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Chamomile prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and press lightly, as chamomile seeds need light to germinate. Do not cover with soil.
- Space seeds or plants 8-12 inches apart for proper airflow and growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Once established, chamomile is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start chamomile seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and press gently to ensure contact. Do not bury them deeply.
- Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist without waterlogging.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Chamomile
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Chamomile tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established. Chamomile prefers moderately dry soil and can withstand short periods of drought.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Chamomile is a light feeder and rarely requires additional fertilization during the growing season.
- Pruning: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Chamomile is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Its aromatic flowers can repel certain pests, and it rarely suffers from fungal issues.
- Harvesting:
- For Flowers: Harvest chamomile flowers when they are fully open, typically in the morning after the dew has dried. Use scissors or your fingers to gently snip the blooms.
- For Leaves: Leaves can also be harvested for tea but are less commonly used than flowers.
- Storage: Dry chamomile flowers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Store dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
