GERMAN CHAMOMILE Matricaria chamomilla

The first time I grew chamomile, I fell in love. The scent, the taste and the look of the plant all just bring a bit of sunshine into even the most gloomy day. It is pretty, pollinator attracting, one of the most ancient medicinal plants and a must-have in the garden. I love the apple-y taste of the flowers and eat them right off the plant.

We are talking about German Chamomile, which is used as an herb. Roman Chamomile is used mainly as a perennial ground cover.

Growing

Chamomile likes cooler weather in the 60s, but is drought and heat tolerant. It is a very hardy plant that once established, and is difficult to neglect to death. As a self-seeding annual, it acts like a perennial in that once you plant it, you will have it back year after year. It prefers rich soil and to not be over watered. While it flowers more in full sun, in areas that have consistent temperatures over 100F, partial shade in the afternoon is recommended.

The seeds require light for germination and consistent moisture, so seeds are not covered. For this reason, starting indoors up to 6 weeks before last frost under a humidity dome may be the best bet on germination for a new bed. Since they reseed aggressively, you should only have to plant once and you'll get a continuous progression of volunteers.

Chamomile can get leggy and floppy, so it is not a good specimen or focal plant. It works best where more sturdy plants can help keep it propped up.

Reaching maturity at just 10 weeks, the flowers are harvested and eaten fresh, or dried or frozen for future use. The leaves are edible, but may be too bitter to taste.

uses

Chamomile is commonly paired with other herbs as a tea.

Final Thoughts

If you've never had fresh chamomile, you are in for a treat. The store bought teas just aren't the same. The smell and flavor are simply wonderful. A proliferation of daisy-like flowers swaying in the breeze, scenting the air with their lovely aroma, is an experience to be enjoyed.

specs

Matricaria chamomilla

Type: Annual

Uses: Medicinal, border, tea, edible flower, oil in beauty products & aromatherapy

Hardiness Zone: 2-9

Germination: Can be started indoors 6 weeks before last frost and transplanted out after frost date

Seed Prep:

Seed Depth: NONE, needs light to germinate

Germination Time: 7-14 days

Growing Temp: 60-68°F, doesn't do well over 100°F

Height: 8-24 inches Spread: 8-12 inches

Spacing: 8 inches

Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering, partial shade in intense heat areas

Water Requirements: Average, drought tolerant, don't over water

Soil Quality: Rich organic

Soil Chemistry: 5.6-7.5

Fertilize: Not needed

Growth Rate: Fast, reaches full maturity in 10 weeks

Bloomtime: Summer Attracts: Butterflies, bees Critter Resistant: Repels cucumber pests, cabbage moth and mosquitos

Critter Attractant: Pollinators hoverflies, beneficial wasps, ladybugs, butterflies, bumble bees and honey bees

Harvest: Flowers, leaves but they may be bitter

Pruning: Deadhead regularly

Pests: Aphids and thrips rarely

Diseases: Botrytis blight,

Reseeds: Yes, aggressively

Propagation: Seeds

Garden Style: English cottage, wildflower

Companions: Brassicas and cucumber as pest deterrent; increases the essential oil basil, rosemary and mint produces when planted together

Allergy Potential: Rare cases of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) have occurred in people who consumed or came into contact with chamomile products. People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they're allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-chamomile-1402627

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile#:~:text=Rare%20cases%20of%20anaphylaxis%20(a,chrysanthemums%2C%20marigolds%2C%20or%20daisies.

https://www.growforagecookferment.com/10-reasons-to-grow-chamomile/