In my backyard sanctuary, a patch of chamomile thrives alongside mint and other herbs, its delicate white blooms wafting their soothing scent into the air. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, chamomile has a rich history of medicinal use dating back to ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt, and Rome. These cultures prized it for its versatility in treating a range of ailments, from hay fever to menstrual disorders.
Today, we mostly associate chamomile with promoting relaxation and calming upset stomachs. And speaking of relaxation, have you indulged in a steaming cup of fresh chamomile tea before bed? There’s no denying the charm of dried tea, but there’s something special about sipping on a brew made straight from the garden – the flavor is like nothing else! As the flowering season comes to an end, I dry my harvest and use it throughout the year in herbal teas and bath sachets for my kids.
Once intimidating to grow, chamomile has become a low-maintenance yet rewarding addition to my garden routine.
Chamomile Varieties
While chamomile is often referred to as a single entity, there are actually two distinct species that share the name – German chamomile and Roman chamomile. These two variants have some notable differences, although they both retain the calming and soothing properties that make chamomile so well-known.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile, when left unchecked, has the potential to spread aggressively via rhizome, making it essential to choose a permanent location or consider container cultivation. Its compact growth habit makes it an attractive ground cover or pot filler for surrounding taller flowers. As it thrives in zones 3-9, Roman chamomile can be grown with relative ease.
The Flore Pleno variety stands out for its double-flowered blooms and low-growing nature, allowing it to tolerate heat and drought while remaining evergreen in zones 4-9. For those seeking a deer-resistant alternative to traditional lawn, Treneague’s non-flowering habit forms an evergreen mat that can withstand dry spells and resist deer damage. Its suitability for areas with mild winters makes it an ideal solution for landscaping needs.
German Chamomile
German chamomile, an annual plant, thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, reaching approximately two feet in height. Its aggressive self-seeding nature means it may persist year after year despite being a non-perennial plant. Among the various German varieties, Bodegold stands out for its large, fragrant flowers and high essential oil content. Notably, this variety blooms earlier than some others, filling the air with its distinctive scent.
For those seeking a more dependable option, Zloty Lan offers a reliable yield of larger plants that are slightly less sweet than Bodegold’s offerings. This variety is notable for blooming mid-to-late summer, providing a later-season display of its daisy-like flowers.
How to Grow Chamomile
Growing Chamomile From Seeds
To begin the chamomile cultivation process, start by sowing the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date. Place the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a seed starting soil mixture and maintain a consistent level of moisture and warmth around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s essential to be patient during this phase as germination can take anywhere from 14 to 21 days, but don’t worry if you start to notice sprouts emerging – it’s a sign that everything is progressing as expected.
Once your seedlings have developed their first set of leaves, provide them with sufficient sunlight or utilize grow lights for several hours each day. As the plants grow, be sure to adjust the light source accordingly to accommodate their increasing height.
After about 3-4 weeks, you can introduce a balanced indoor houseplant fertilizer at half strength to support the seedlings’ continued growth.
When your young chamomile plants have developed two true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into larger containers with a minimum depth of 4 inches. This will provide the necessary room for their root systems to establish themselves.
Planting Chamomile Seeds Outside
When planting chamomile seeds, it’s crucial to get a head start by direct sowing in late spring or early summer, ensuring that all threat of frost has passed before introducing the seeds to the soil. To begin, simply sprinkle the seeds across the top of the soil, taking into account that you’ll be thinning the rows later on. Don’t worry too much about perfect placement at this stage, as it’s merely a matter of establishing an initial foundation.
Use your hands to cover the seeds with a layer of soil, allowing them to receive the necessary light for germination. Next, thoroughly water the area, ensuring that the soil is well-moistened, as chamomile seeds require ample hydration to germinate effectively. Daily misting will also be crucial in providing the seeds with consistent moisture. As the seeds begin to sprout, you’ll notice them growing into tiny seedlings.
Once they’ve reached a height of around 2 inches, it’s time to thin out the rows, leaving approximately 8-10 inches between each plant to allow for proper development and growth. To achieve this, simply cut the plants off at ground level using a pair of scissors or pruning shears, taking care not to disturb the root systems in the process. This initial thinning will ultimately result in stronger, healthier chamomile plants.
Planting Chamomile Plants
When incorporating purchased plants or dividing those from a friend’s garden, ensure a suitable foundation for your new addition. For each seedling, create a hole that is roughly twice as large as the root ball. This will provide ample space for the roots to unfold and establish themselves. Gently loosen the root ball, then place the plant within its new home, filling in with soil as you go.
To facilitate optimal root-to-soil contact and eliminate air pockets, thoroughly water your newly planted seedling, allowing a small puddle to form around the stem.
Transplanting Chamomile
When the final frost date has passed in your area, it’s time to transplant your chamomile seedlings outside. Before making the move, ensure they’ve developed 2 true leaves, signifying they’re ready for the great outdoors. However, before introducing them to direct sunlight and harsh weather, it’s crucial to harden off the seedlings. Start by moving them to a shaded area for several hours daily, gradually increasing their exposure time over at least a week.
This step is vital to prevent transplant shock, scalding, or worse – plant death. You’ve worked tirelessly growing these seedlings from seeds; don’t let all that effort go to waste.
Sun Requirements
When cultivating chamomile, it’s essential to provide the plant with the right amount of sunlight. In regions with intense heat, it’s crucial to offer at least partial shade to prevent scorching. Ideally, aim for a spot that receives direct sunlight for part of the day, and partial shade or filtered light for the remaining period.
Soil Requirements
To set the stage for a thriving garden bed, start by turning over the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. Next, use a rake to remove any clumps of grass and stones that may be lingering. If you’re working with poor soil quality, German chamomile is an excellent choice as it can tolerate tougher conditions, including clay soils or those with low nutrient levels. Just keep in mind that this annual will need to be replanted each year unless it self-seeds.
Roman chamomile, on the other hand, requires a more hospitable environment. It thrives in well-draining, fertile soil that’s rich in organic matter. To give your soil a boost, mix in some compost throughout the planting zone. If you have earth that drains well but needs a nutrient injection, consider adding a slow-release fertilizer before planting. One of the best things about chamomile is its adaptability to different soil pH levels.
It’s not picky and will grow just fine in a neutral range between 5.6 and 7.5. If you do need to make some adjustments, limestone or wood ash can help reduce acidity, while sulfur will increase it. Before planting, make sure the soil temperature is around 70℉. It’s essential to plant after the threat of frost has passed, as this ensures the soil has reached the ideal temperature for optimal growth.
Spacing
When it comes to planting, proper spacing is crucial for optimal growth and development. To achieve this, ensure that each plant is situated approximately 8-10 inches away from its neighbors, with rows spaced around 9-12 inches apart.
Growing Chamomile in Pots
Chamomile proves to be an excellent choice for container gardens, thriving in patio spaces. Any pot with adequate drainage holes is suitable, as long as it’s large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth. A 12-inch deep container provides ample room for your chamomile to spread out. To ensure optimal growing conditions, use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for succulents or regular soil blended with perlite or coco coir.
These materials facilitate healthy air circulation and prevent waterlogged soil. When winter approaches, relocate the pots indoors to protect them from harsh cold temperatures. If temperatures soar above 90℉ during the warmer months, consider moving your chamomile to a shaded area with cooler conditions.
How to Care for Chamomile
While chamomile is a hardy plant that can thrive with minimal effort, it still benefits greatly from proper care. In fact, neglecting to tend to your chamomile plants may not necessarily lead to their demise, but they will certainly flourish when given the attention and nurturing they need.
Weeding
When cultivating chamomile, it’s essential to maintain a weed-free zone around the herb. As chamomile thrives in well-defined conditions, overgrowth from weeds can hinder its growth. To minimize weeding efforts, consider applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants. This will not only suppress unwanted growth but also enrich the soil as the mulch breaks down.
Aged bark or shredded leaves make ideal mulching materials for chamomile and other herbs, providing an added boost to their nutrient intake.
Watering
To ensure your chamomile thrives, maintain a consistent watering schedule. During its growing season, which typically lasts several months, aim for about one inch of water per week. Prior to blooming, it’s essential to water gently each day, aiming for a moist soil consistency rather than soaking the soil thoroughly. Once your plant is established and flowering, you can adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
As chamomile grows mature and resilient, it becomes more tolerant of drought-like conditions, requiring less water overall. In general, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, only increasing frequency if you’re experiencing an unusually hot spell.
Fertilizing
While chamomile is generally self-sufficient, it can still benefit from occasional feeding. Roman chamomile, when grown as a perennial, thrives on a phosphorus-rich soluble fertilizer applied in the spring to stimulate new growth. For container-grown chamomile plants, a slow-release fertilizer administered once a month can also promote healthy development.
Pruning Chamomile
When preparing perennial chamomile for the colder seasons, it’s essential to prune the entire plant back, allowing for a fresh start come springtime. To prevent the accumulation of pests and diseases, make sure to remove any clippings from the area. Leaving them behind creates ideal conditions for insects and diseases to thrive throughout the winter months.
Propagating Chamomile
To propagate chamomile, you can choose from two methods: collecting seeds or taking a cutting from another mature plant. The latter requires some extra care, as you need to extract a portion of the surrounding soil along with the stem. To prepare for this process, water your chamomile deeply the evening before and let it sit overnight.
The next day, identify a suitable 4-inch long stem with foliage but no flowers. Ensure that the base remains unblemished.
Gently remove the dirt around the stem to expose the underground portion, characterized by small white roots. Cut the stem at a 1/2-inch interval below ground level and place it in a moist paper towel to maintain hydration.
Choose a 4-inch pot and fill it with a mixture of three parts soil and one part perlite. Water thoroughly, then create a 2-inch deep hole in the center. Carefully position the stem upright within the hole.
Store the pot in a cold frame, near a window, or a shaded area of your greenhouse.
Water your newly planted chamomile once a week, and be patient – you should start to notice growth within 6-8 weeks.
Chamomile Pests and Diseases
While many insects tend to avoid chamomile, it’s not entirely pest-proof. In fact, while it can serve as a natural deterrent for some unwanted visitors, a few pesky pests and diseases may still pose a threat.
Aphids
Aphids, those pesky green, red, and black insects, thrive on the undersides of leaves by feeding on the sap. Their sticky excretions attract ants, creating a trail of unwanted visitors to your garden. To combat these pests, consider introducing natural predators like wasps or lady beetles, which can be effective in controlling aphid populations. Alternatively, give your plants a gentle wash with insecticidal soap to help eliminate the infestation.
Mealybugs
When inspecting your chamomile plant, you may encounter flat, wingless insects with a white, waxy coating on their bodies. These are likely mealybugs, which manifest as cotton-like growths on stems, branches, and leaves. Mealybugs thrive by siphoning juices from the plant’s foliage, ultimately stunting its growth. To address this issue, start by thoroughly washing the affected areas to dislodge any insects. Neem oil has proven effective in controlling mealybug populations.
Additionally, consider introducing natural predators like lacewings and ladybugs, which can help keep the pest population in check.
Spider Mites
If you stumble upon tiny, spider-like critters roughly the size of a grain of pepper, it’s likely an infestation by spider mites. These minuscule pests can be identified by their red, black, or brown coloration. Not only do they siphon plant juices, but they also inject toxic substances into the plant. The signs of a spider mite infestation include white dots scattered across the leaves and visible webbing that covers the plant’s surface.
As the infestation progresses, leaves may take on a yellow hue before drying out entirely. To effectively manage these pesky pests, consider using a neem oil spray at regular intervals, ideally every other day. For more severe cases, you might need to resort to miticide products.
Scale
At first glance, scale insects might remind you of mealybugs due to their waxy, armored exterior. However, they’re actually quite distinct pests. Unlike mealybugs, which feed on plant sap, scale insects remove the vital juices from plant stems and leaves. This weakening effect makes plants more susceptible to other pests and diseases. To combat these unwanted visitors, you can attempt to scrape them off with your finger or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently remove them.
Some gardeners have also found success using horticultural oils. If you’re growing young seedlings, make sure to isolate them from the rest of your plants to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight, a common fungal disease, wreaks havoc on plants by causing older leaves and the central stem to rot. Initially, it manifests as yellowish-brown patches on leaves, accompanied by water-soaked lesions on the stem. As the disease progresses, the plant’s foliage turns a fuzzy grey, releasing a cloud of spores when touched. To prevent its spread, it’s essential to remove infected plants and debris, ensuring good air circulation for all remaining plants.
Additionally, using pea gravel can help reduce humidity around the affected area.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew, a common fungal disease, can take hold on chamomile plants, manifesting as a white powder coating on the foliage. This insidious affliction hinders plant growth by disrupting their ability to produce essential carbohydrates from sunlight. To regain control and promote healthy development, it is crucial to identify and remove infected plants, thereby increasing air circulation around the remaining flora.
Additionally, treating the unaffected plants with a fungicide will help to mitigate the spread of the disease and restore overall plant vitality.
Damping Off
One of the most pervasive challenges chamomile growers face when cultivating from seeds is the sudden wilting and death of their young plants, leaving them puzzled about what went wrong. The culprit behind this phenomenon is a fungus that thrives in environments with high moisture levels and warm air temperatures.
This issue, known as damping off, can be attributed to soil conditions being too wet or excessive nitrogen levels.
To mitigate the risk of damping off, it’s essential to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil without overwatering, and also avoid over-fertilization. Additionally, thinning out the seedlings is crucial to ensure healthy growth.
Root & Crown Rot
When it comes to common diseases affecting your trees, root and crown rot is one that requires attention. It’s characterized by dry, yellowed leaves that eventually turn into brown and dead branches. This issue arises when there’s too much moisture present, often stemming from poor watering practices or standing water accumulation around the tree.
By being mindful of your watering techniques and taking steps to reduce excess water, you can help minimize the risk of root and crown rot affecting your trees.
Rabbits
While rabbits are undoubtedly cute, their voracious appetites can be a significant concern for gardeners. These furry critters have no qualms about munching on chamomile plants, and it’s not uncommon for them to do so. To protect your herbaceous delights from unwanted visitors, consider implementing fencing solutions or using deterrents like red pepper powder around the perimeter of your plants.
Best Companion Plants for Chamomile
Chamomile’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a valuable companion plant, particularly for those dealing with mildew, fungus, or mold issues. By planting chamomile alongside affected plants, you can create a healthier environment that promotes balance and reduces the risk of disease. Some notable beneficiaries include tomatoes, zinnias, petunias, verbena, bee balm, lilacs, roses, astilbe, and dogweed.
Beyond its disease-fighting prowess, chamomile also plays a crucial role in vegetable gardens. By planting it near fruit trees, you can improve their growth and flavor. In fact, this practice has been a staple of gardeners for centuries! When it comes to vegetable and herb companions, consider pairing chamomile with onions, cabbage, mint, beans, cucumbers, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, basil, kohlrabi, spinach, cilantro, calendula, and lettuce.
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits from the harmonious relationships between species.
How to Harvest and Store Your Chamomile
As the harvesting period approaches, the petals of the chamomile plant begin to flatten or recede from the center, taking on a drooping appearance that typically occurs 90-120 days after planting. This natural process signals the start of the harvest cycle.
Timing is crucial when it comes to collecting the blooms. Opt for a sunny day with dry dew to ensure the best possible drying results.
Harvesting wet flowers can compromise their drying potential, so it’s essential to snip them off at the optimal moment – when they’re fully open.
By harvesting your chamomile plants daily, you can maintain a steady supply of blooms throughout the summer. Since the flowers don’t all bloom simultaneously, this approach allows for a constant influx of new petals to enjoy.
Drying Chamomile
To preserve harvested chamomile blossoms for future use, you’ll need to dry them first. There are three reliable methods to achieve this. One approach involves cutting a few inches of stem underneath the blossoms and tying them together before hanging them up to dry. This can be done by securing the stems near a window, ideally above your kitchen sink, allowing for 2-3 weeks of drying time. Alternatively, you can layer the flower petals on a plate or baking sheet without stems.
Place this setup in a cabinet away from direct sunlight and dust. For optimal results, consider using a drying screen. The natural drying process typically takes 1-2 weeks. For the quickest method, utilize your food dehydrator by laying the flowers on one of its screens and running it at the lowest setting until they’re completely dry. Check for readiness by gently crushing a flower between your fingers; it should crumble easily if done correctly.
If you don’t own a dehydrator, there’s still hope! Simply place the blooms on a baking sheet and set your oven to 150-170℉. Monitor the blossoms carefully to avoid burning them during the drying process. Once dried, store the chamomile in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight. A cabinet provides the perfect environment for preserving your dried flower buds.
Chamomile is a Superb Herb to Grow
Chamomile, a resilient wildflower, thrives in diverse conditions and environments. Its remarkable antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an excellent addition to any garden, as it naturally protects surrounding plants from potential threats. When cultivating chamomile, keep in mind that this herb requires full sun and well-draining soil, with excessive moisture being detrimental to its growth.
In contrast, you can harvest chamomile blooms throughout most of the growing season, allowing for a bountiful supply of fresh flowers to be used in herbal teas, baths, or sprays. With its numerous applications, chamomile is an incredibly versatile herb that offers a wealth of uses.
