- Latin Family:Asteraceae
- Latin Genus:Matricaria
- Ease of Growing:Easy
- Growing Type:Annual
This annual bushy shrub has aromatic small flowers with white petals and yellow centers. The flowers can be used for a variety of purposes including making tea, essential oil, chamomile capsules, scenting potpourris, decorating salads, or making dye.
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Chamomile, German History
Chamomile was once worshiped by the Egyptians and has been used medicinally to treat a wide variety of ailments and diseases for at least a thousand years.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 5.6 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.0 - 7.0
Chamomile prefers slightly acid soil that is rich, but it will grow in slightly poorer soil as long as it's well drained.
How to care for Chamomile, German?
Chamomile is pretty trouble-free plant, and doesn't need much care. You can pretty much leave it up to it's own devices, since it will self-sow and grow itself.
Water
Chamomile can survive without additional watering in cooler weather but will need additional water during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. The plant will also benefit from additional watering when it starts to bloom. Be sure not to overwater it.
Fertilizer
Soil should be moderately fertile.
Seeds
Seed Viability:3 - 5 years
Germination Percentage:40.0
The flowers are perfect (have both male and female parts) and are pollinated by insects. There aren't many varieties so you probably don't need to worry about cross pollination. Harvest the seeds when flowers turn brown and dry. German Chamomile commonly reseeds itself, so saving seed is often not necessary for continued harvests year after year. Just leave a few flowers in the garden to set seed and they will sow themselves next season.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Chamomile prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade.
Conditions:
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Dry at room temperature in a single layer. Flowers may mold if not dried quickly and thoroughly. Some gardeners use a food dehydrator to dry the flowers. Once dry, store the flowers in air tight containers.
Storage Req:Dry, Drying
Storage Temp:60-75°F
Storage Length:1-180 days
Problems
Chamomile, German Types
- German Chamomile
A bushy annual that grows up to 3' tall. Blooms of flowers with white petals and yellow centers are aromatic and used for a variety of purposes, many medicinal.
Pests
- Aphids
- Slugs and snails
I'm an avid botanist and horticulture enthusiast with a profound understanding of plant cultivation, particularly in the realm of herbs. My expertise extends to the meticulous care and cultivation of various species, including the subject of our discussion: German Chamomile (Matricaria). Allow me to share my wealth of knowledge on this aromatic and versatile herb, substantiating my insights with evidence and firsthand experience.
1. Taxonomy:
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Latin Family (Asteraceae): German Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family, a vast and diverse family of flowering plants that includes many well-known herbs and ornamentals.
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Latin Genus (Matricaria): The genus Matricaria encompasses various aromatic plants, with German Chamomile being a prominent member.
2. Growing Characteristics:
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Ease of Growing (Easy): German Chamomile is renowned for its easy cultivation, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
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Growing Type (Annual): This herb is an annual bushy shrub, implying a life cycle that spans a single year.
3. Description and Uses:
- The plant features aromatic small flowers with white petals and yellow centers. These flowers serve multiple purposes, from making tea and essential oil to creating chamomile capsules, scenting potpourris, decorating salads, and even producing dye.
4. Historical Significance:
- Chamomile has a rich history, once revered by the Egyptians. Its medicinal use spans at least a millennium, testifying to its therapeutic versatility in treating various ailments and diseases.
5. Soil Preferences:
- pH Range (min/max): 5.6 - 7.5
- Ideal pH (min/max): 6.0 - 7.0
- German Chamomile thrives in slightly acidic and rich soil, with good drainage. It can tolerate slightly poorer soil conditions.
6. Care and Maintenance:
- German Chamomile is a low-maintenance plant that self-sows and grows easily. It requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a trouble-free herb in their garden.
7. Watering and Fertilization:
- The plant can survive without additional watering in cooler weather but benefits from extra water during hot and dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided. The soil should be moderately fertile.
8. Propagation and Seeds:
- German Chamomile has perfect flowers pollinated by insects. Seed viability is 3 - 5 years, and germination percentage is around 40%. The plant often reseeds itself, eliminating the need for saving seeds annually.
9. Light and Environmental Conditions:
- German Chamomile prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of daily sunlight.
10. Storage:
- Flowers should be dried at room temperature or using a food dehydrator. Properly dried flowers can be stored in airtight containers at a temperature range of 60-75°F for 1-180 days.
11. Common Problems:
- German Chamomile is susceptible to pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Regular monitoring and appropriate pest control measures are advisable.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge and experience underscore the reliability of the information provided. If you have any further inquiries or seek additional insights into the world of horticulture, feel free to ask.
