Chamomile, a popular herb known for its calming properties, is a delightful addition to any garden. With its dainty white flowers and apple-like scent, it not only adds beauty but also serves various medicinal and culinary purposes. This guide will take you through the steps of growing chamomile, caring for it, and harvesting it for use.
Understanding Chamomile
Before we delve into the process of growing chamomile, it’s important to understand what chamomile is and why it’s a valuable addition to your garden. Chamomile is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are two common types of chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
German chamomile is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year. It’s taller and has a more robust growth habit. Roman chamomile, on the other hand, is a perennial plant that grows back year after year. It’s shorter and often used as a ground cover. Both types have similar uses and benefits, but their growth habits and care requirements differ slightly.
Planting Chamomile
Choosing the Right Location
Chamomile thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. A location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day is ideal. If you’re planting in a container, make sure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
While chamomile is not particularly picky about soil, it does prefer it to be rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can improve the soil’s fertility and drainage, creating a better environment for chamomile to grow.
Starting from Seeds
Chamomile can be grown from seeds, seedlings, or plants. If you’re starting from seeds, sow them directly in the garden or in a seed tray about 6 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds are tiny, so they should be lightly sprinkled on the soil surface and not covered, as they need light to germinate.
Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing location, spacing them about 8 to 10 inches apart.
Caring for Chamomile
Watering and Feeding
Chamomile is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It’s drought-tolerant once established, but for the best growth and flower production, it should be watered regularly. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
As for feeding, chamomile doesn’t require much. If you’ve prepared the soil properly before planting, additional feeding may not be necessary. However, a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer in mid-summer can give the plants a boost.
Pruning and Pest Control
Pruning chamomile helps promote bushier growth and more flower production. You can pinch back the tips of the plants when they reach about 4 inches tall. If the plants become leggy or sparse, a more drastic cutback may be necessary.
Chamomile is generally pest-resistant, but it can sometimes attract aphids. If you notice these small green insects on your plants, they can be washed off with a strong stream of water or treated with an insecticidal soap.
Harvesting and Using Chamomile
Chamomile flowers can be harvested when they’re fully open, usually in late spring or early summer. To harvest, simply snip off the flowers with a pair of scissors. They can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Chamomile has a wide range of uses. It’s most commonly used to make a calming tea, but it can also be used in skin care products, herbal remedies, and even culinary dishes. Whether you’re growing chamomile for its beauty, its calming properties, or its many uses, it’s a rewarding plant to have in your garden.
