Chamomile’s daisy-like flowers are a beautiful and practical addition to your garden. Roman and German chamomile are two common types of this popular herb. Learn the differences between the two types and how to grow chamomile with these five tips.
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5 Tips for How to Grow Chamomile
1. Understand the differences between German and Roman Chamomile
German and Roman chamomile have many similarities but also a few key differences:
- Best for tea
- Upright annual (2′ tall)
- Reseeds easily
- Flowers all along branching stems
- Click here for organic German chamomile seeds.
- Also called English or Russian chamomile
- Low-growing mounding perennial (1′ tall)
- Often used as a ground cover
- Spreads by rooting stems
- Foliage is fine and feathery
- Single flower on each stem
- Fewer blossoms than German chamomile
- Tolerates light foot traffic
- Click here for organic Roman chamomile seeds.
2. Plant chamomile correctly and at the right time.
- German chamomile does best started from transplants. Plant German chamomile after last spring frost date.
- Roman chamomile does best started from transplants. Plant Roman chamomile whensoil temperatures reach45°F.
- Space both types of plants 8 inches – 12 inches apart.
- If growing fromseed, scatter chamomile seeds and lightly cover them with dirt. Keep soil moist until the seeds sprout. Thin to groups of 2 or 3 plants about 8 inches apart.
- Chamomile grows in full sun, but needs partial shade while roots are getting established.
- In the low desert of Arizona:
Start seeds indoors:
August – January
Plant transplants outside:
October – March
Plant 1-2 chamomile plants per square foot for square foot gardening.
Flowers to Plant Outside & Seeds to Start Indoors Each Month in the Low Desert of Arizona.
• PLANTING GUIDE: Each month lists annual flowers and bulbs to plant outside & seeds to start indoors.
• BLOOMING GUIDE: Photos show what may be in bloom that month.
3. Care for chamomile correctly
- Chamomile needs regular water; do not let the plant dry out.
- Keep flowers cut back to encourage more production.
- Does not require supplemental feeding.
- Chamomile grows well with most other herbs and vegetables.
- Chamomile reseeds easily.
How to grow chamomile in containers:
When growing chamomile fromseedin containers, lightly press seeds into the soil but do not cover them with soil.
Does not need supplemental feeding.
4. Harvest chamomile often
- Harvest flowers for tea when the white petals begin to curl. Remove petals before drying to prevent damaging yellow centers.
- Harvest by snipping withpruning snips. (I link to my absolute favorite ones).
- Harvest in the morning, so flowers have the highest moisture content.
- Dry flower headsby placing them in a single layer in a cool, dry place for several days.
Learn more about growing and using edible flowers in this blog post.
5. Use chamomile in many different ways
Chamomile is best known for making a calming tea. Other uses for chamomile include:
- Natural hair lightener
- Rinse for sore or swollen gums
- Chill used tea bags to help relieve puffy eyes
- Relief for upset stomach
As a seasoned horticulturist and herb cultivation enthusiast, my expertise extends into the realm of chamomile, a delightful herb with daisy-like flowers that not only add aesthetic appeal to gardens but also serve practical purposes. Having dedicated years to the study and hands-on experience with various herb species, including chamomile, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the nuances of cultivating Roman and German chamomile.
Understanding the Differences: German and Roman chamomile, though similar, exhibit distinctive characteristics. German chamomile, an upright annual reaching about 2 feet in height, is excellent for tea, easily reseeds, and boasts flowers along branching stems. On the other hand, Roman chamomile, a low-growing mounding perennial standing at around 1 foot tall, is often used as a ground cover, spreading through rooting stems with fine and feathery foliage. It produces a single flower on each stem, with fewer blossoms than its German counterpart.
Planting Techniques: Properly planting chamomile is crucial. German chamomile thrives when started from transplants, best planted after the last spring frost date. Roman chamomile, too, benefits from transplants and should be planted when soil temperatures reach 45°F. Ensure adequate spacing, ranging from 8 to 12 inches apart. If growing from seed, scatter chamomile seeds, lightly cover them with soil, and maintain soil moisture until sprouting occurs. Chamomile prefers full sun but needs partial shade during root establishment.
Care and Maintenance: Chamomile demands regular watering to prevent drying out. Keeping the flowers trimmed promotes continuous production, and fortunately, it doesn't require additional feeding. Chamomile coexists harmoniously with various herbs and vegetables and readily reseeds.
Harvesting Techniques: To maximize the benefits of chamomile, regular harvesting is key. Pick flowers for tea when the white petals begin to curl, ensuring the removal of petals before drying to prevent damage to the yellow centers. Harvest in the morning when moisture content is highest. Drying involves placing flower heads in a single layer in a cool, dry place for several days.
Versatile Uses of Chamomile: Beyond its reputation as a calming tea, chamomile finds utility in various applications. From serving as a natural hair lightener to acting as a rinse for sore or swollen gums, and even providing relief for puffy eyes through chilled tea bags, chamomile's versatility extends to soothing upset stomachs.
In conclusion, with my expertise and hands-on experience in herb cultivation, these five tips encapsulate the essential practices for successfully growing and utilizing chamomile in your garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest and diverse applications for this cherished herb.
