Growing Chamomile: The Complete Guide

Chamomile is more than an attractive addition to the garden. Did you know that the people of ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome valued it for its medicinal properties?

Historically, this all-purpose herb was used to treat a variety of ailments, from hay fever to menstrual disorders.

Today, it is best known for its sedative effect that helps relieve insomnia and for its ability to ease an upset stomach.

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By the way, do you like a hot cup of chamomile tea before bed? So you must try it fresh out of the garden. The dried tea is delicious, but the fresh flowers give it a sweet, floral apple flavor that can only be obtained directly from the plant.

Cultivation of chamomile from seeds

Chamomile seeds should be planted indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last date of the spring frosts. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the seed starting soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, around 70 ℉.

You need to be patient with chamomile as it takes 14-21 days to germinate. Just when you think you've done something wrong, sprouts will sprout.

Give the seedlings plenty of sunlight or keep them in increasing light for several hours each day. Be sure to increase the height of the light as the plants grow.

When your seedlings are 3-4 weeks old, add fertilizer. A good option is a complete houseplant food with half the strength.

If you planted your seeds in small cells, transplant them into 4-inch pots once the seedlings have 2 true leaves. Chamomile needs room to grow its strong root system.

Sun requirements:

Growing chamomile needs full sun or partial shade if you live in a warm area.

Soil requirements:

To prepare the bed, lower the floor by 20 centimeters. Use a rake to remove bits of grass and rocks.

Due to its robustness, chamomile does not care about soil pH. You prefer a neutral range between 5.6 and 7.5.

If you need to adjust the pH level, use limestone or wood ash to make the soil less acidic. Sulfur will increase the acidity level of the soil.

Spacing:

Each plant should be spaced 8-10 inches apart. Each line should be 9 to 12 inches apart.

How to care for chamomile

Most of the time, chamomile grows well with little help. Let your chamomile plants go and found that they lived without any intervention, but of course, they get along much better with proper care and attention.

Weeding:

Try to keep weeds under control in the area near your chamomile. This herb does not like to fight for its water, space, and nutrients.

If you don't want to weed frequently, spreading a layer of mulch around the plants helps weed out without much effort on your part. Herbs prefer organic mulch.

Try aged bark or shredded leaves, which shed and add nutrients to the soil.

Watering:

Plan to keep the plant by watering regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Chamomile needs one centimeter of water per week during the growing season.

Until you see flowers on your plant, water them gently every day. It is not necessary to soak the soil completely. Water until damp.

Chamomile is hardy, so once established, you can reduce how often you water the plant. An adult chamomile plant does well with less water.

Let the soil dry out between waterings. Unless you are in a hot spell, expect to water once a week.

Fertilizer:

Most of the time, chamomile does not require food. If you are growing Roman chamomile as a perennial, use a soluble, phosphorus-rich fertilizer in the spring. Doing so encourages new growth.

For potted chamomile plants, fertilize once a month with a slow-release fertilizer.

Chamomile pruning:

For perennial chamomile, gardeners should prune the entire plant to prepare it for winter. Do not leave clippings on the ground. This provides places to harbor insects and diseases during the winter months.