Growing Chamomile

Chamomile tea is fabulous for calming your frazzled nerves. The soothing starts as soon as you drink the delicate flavor, and the chemical compounds within the tea can have you feeling calmer by the end of your first cup.

There are 2 main varieties of chamomile for you to select from. They are similar in function, but not in appearance, so be sure you’re getting the right chamomile for your needs.

German chamomile has a number of uses, including teas and fragrances (like in lotions). Its woody, apple smell is light and fresh and its scent and daisy-like appearance will cheer up up any area.

German chamomile is self-seeding, which is nice because it is an annual and this will save you some trouble with planting it again and again. These seeds should be collected and you can plant more in your garden or give them as a lovely little gift to a co-worker or friend.

It likes dry conditions and plenty of direct or full light. German chamomile plants grow straight up, which is different than how Roman chamomile grows, and can reach a height of almost 3 feet.

To propagate German chamomile, start with seeds in a container inside or sprinkle the seeds on the ground. The seeds are so fine, there is no need to cover with earth. Keep the dirt moist, but not wet, and if you’re germinating your German chamomile in containers, wait until your seedlings are at least 4 inches tall before you transplant them. The best way to increase your harvest is to plant more seeds every four weeks during the growing season. German chamomile produces few flowers, so the more you grow the better.

I haven’t seen the type of German chamomile that is double-flowered, but I am sure it is awesome.

Roman chamomile, which is often called “true chamomile” or “English chamomile” is also good in teas to ease nervous tension. English chamomile has the same woody, apple-like smell of the German chamomile, but it is special in that it is a creeper or ground cover rather than a bushy plant.

Because this herb is a creeper, it will not reach more than 10 inches tall. The Roman chamomile can get a little taller in the summer as well as grow pretty white and yellow blossoms that are similar to German chamomile but more aromatic.

The oil from the Roman chamomile can be used to lighten or soften your hair. Chamomile is also called manzanilla in Spain and a few types are used to flavor certain types of sherry.

This herb is not actually best if started from seeds, so I recommend you purchase it or start with a division from someone else’s Roman chamomile.

Fortunately Roman chamomile is drought resistant and able to persist for long periods without water, for those of you who forget this necessary task.

It’s interesting that even though these two plants have the same name, look similar and taste alike, scientists have determined that they aren’t even related.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Tea Herb Gardening. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.