Chamomile is a one-of-a-kind plant that is both beautiful and functional. Most gardeners are unaware that there are two varieties of common chamomile: German and Roman. Both are native to Europe and have medical properties, and are often used interchangeably in herbal medicines, drinks, and cosmetics. Both have daisy-like blooms with fragrant white petals encircling a yellow core.
Both chamomile varieties grow fast (reaching full bloom in approximately 10 weeks) and are best planted in the spring, either from seed or as young plants. The Roman chamomile is typically used as a ground cover or creeping plant to soften the edges of a stone wall or pathway, but the German chamomile is more commonly used to make tea.
Chamomile Treatment
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual plant, but it self-seeds so rapidly that you may mistake it for a perennial, like Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both are simple to grow in a garden and need little additional to flourish. German chamomile has more plentiful blossoms, whereas Roman chamomile has more fragrant blooms.
Chamomile isn’t usually a good choice for a bedding plant since it’s too floppy and inconsequential when combined with more formal and intimidating plants. It may, however, be used as an underplanting in a herb or vegetable garden, to soften rock wall edges, and as a container plant.
When the chamomile flowers are completely opened, harvest them. They may be used both fresh and dried. When the flowers and leaves have dried, put them in an airtight container in a cold, dark place (or frozen). If the leaves make your tea too bitter, just collect the blooms.
Light
Both Roman and German chamomiles thrive in full sun or light shade. The plants will blossom best in full light, but in warmer areas, a touch of partial shade (particularly during the hot afternoon hours) is a preferable alternative to prevent scorching the fragile flowers. More sunlight usually results in quicker growth, however this plant grows quickly by nature.
Soil Both varieties of chamomile blossom best in rich, organic soil. They may live in weaker combinations, although their stems will frequently get floppier as a result. Chamomile is unconcerned by soil pH, preferring a neutral range of 5.6 to 7.5.
Water
Young chamomile plants need approximately an inch of water each week. The plants become drought resistant as they mature and become established. It is recommended to let plants dry between moderate waterings. Chamomile, on the other hand, prefers a little more moisture in excessively hot temperatures.
Humidity and temperature
Chamomile can grow in any summer temperature that is less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It enjoys a temperature range of 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It thrives in too humid settings since it is drought-tolerant.
Chamomile Planting Instructions
Chamomile is a simple plant to grow from seed. Plant seeds inside six weeks before the latest projected frost date. Chamomile seeds want sunshine to sprout, so spread them and push them firmly into the soil, but don’t cover them with earth. Water them often, and they should germinate in seven to fourteen days. You may also direct-seed chamomile outside, but you’ll get greater germination if you plant it in the autumn and allow the seed stratify over winter for a spring yield.
Pests That Are Common
Chamomile repels most insects. Chamomile is used to keep cucumber pests at bay. Aphids and thrips, on the other hand, may be a nuisance at times. Both may be removed by washing the plant or using insecticidal soap.