The Secrets of Growing Chamomile: An Easy Guide

Author: Saiqa Najeeb
Last Updated On: June 27, 2023

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Have you ever dreamed of having a garden that looks beautiful and offers numerous health benefits? If so, growing chamomile might be the perfect addition to your garden.

Chamomile is a charming plant with delicate, daisy-like flowers that exude a heavenly scent. We will guide you through the process of sowing chamomile seeds or transplanting seedlings, and we’ll explore the vital steps involved in nurturing the plants as they progress through different growth stages.

By the end of this blog, you will not only possess the know-how to grow your chamomile but also gain a deeper appreciation for the soothing power of nature.

So, grab your gardening tools and let’s get started!

About Chamomile

Chamomile is a beautiful and fragrant herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but is now grown worldwide, including the United States. The plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and is also a popular ingredient in teas, skincare products, and aromatherapy.

Chamomile can be grown from seeds or seedlings, and the best time to plant depends on your region and climate. Planting chamomile in the spring after the last frost is generally best. However, if you live in a mild climate, you can also plant it in the fall.

Why You Should Start Growing Chamomile Now

There are many reasons why you should consider growing chamomile in your garden. Here are some of the benefits:

Chamomile is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners.
The chamomile flowers are beautiful and fragrant, adding a delightful aroma to your garden.
Chamomile has numerous health benefits, such as promoting relaxation, soothing an upset stomach, and relieving anxiety and stress.
Chamomile is a natural insect repellent and can help keep pests away from your garden.
Chamomile is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways, such as making tea, skincare products, and essential oils.

Recommended Varieties for Growing Chamomile

Here are a few recommended varieties that you can consider growing.

German Chamomile: This is the most popular variety, known for its delicate white flowers and strong, sweet aroma. German chamomile is commonly used for teas, herbal remedies, and skincare products.
Roman Chamomile: Also known as English chamomile, this variety has small, daisy-like flowers with a sweet, apple-like fragrance. Roman chamomile is often used for its calming properties and in producing essential oils.
Moroccan Chamomile: This variety is native to Morocco and has small, yellow flowers with a pleasant, fruity scent. It is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy blends.

How to Prepare Your Soil for Growing Chamomile?

Chamomile prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.6 to 7.5. Before planting, prepare your soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. If your soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage. Chamomile also benefits from organic matter, so you can mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Water the soil thoroughly before planting to ensure it is moist.

Step-by-Step Guide for Planting Chamomile

Chamomile prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Depending on your preference and space, it can be grown in a garden bed or a container. Chamomile also likes to be sheltered from the wind, so it is best to choose a protected spot for planting.

Chamomile can be grown from seeds or seedlings and planted in a garden bed or a container. It can also be grown by using cuttings from the established plant. Here are the methods of planting and the steps for each method:

1 Planting Chamomile from Seeds

Choose a spot with at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the soil. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
Scatter them over the soil and cover them lightly with soil or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist.
Once they have grown to about 2 inches tall, thin them out to about 6 inches apart to give them room to grow.

2 Planting Chamomile from Seedlings

Look for healthy seedlings with a good root system.
Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the soil. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
Dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball.
Place it in the hole and backfill it with soil. Firm the soil around the plant.
Water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

3 Planting Chamomile from Cuttings

Take healthy chamomile cuttings that are approximately 4-6 inches long.
Remove the lower leaves from the bottom of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone to encourage root development .
Prepare a pot with well-draining soil and create a small hole in the center.
Insert the cutting into the hole and gently firm the soil around it.
Water the cutting thoroughly and place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Within a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots.
Once the roots have been established, transplant the chamomile cutting into a larger container or the garden.

How to Care for Chamomile

Caring for chamomile is easy, and the plant doesn’t require much maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for your chamomile plant:

Water deeply once a week or more often in hot, dry weather and in the morning to prevent disease.
Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer, avoiding too much nitrogen.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new growth and prolong blooming.
Trim lightly after the blooming season to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Cover with a thick layer of mulch to protect from the cold in winter.

Troubleshooting Common Problems of Growing Chamomile

Chamomile is generally a hardy plant, but it can sometimes be affected by pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues that you may encounter when growing chamomile:

Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure that your chamomile plants are planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Pests: Chamomile can be susceptible to aphids, mites, and leafhoppers. Monitor your plants regularly and take action at the first sign of infestation. Use organic pest control methods or introduce beneficial insects to control the pest population.
Fungal Diseases: Chamomile may be prone to fungal disease like powdery mildew in open field. Provide good air circulation by spacing out the plants and avoiding overhead watering. If necessary, apply a fungicide recommended for chamomile to treat the disease.
Leggy Growth: If your chamomile plants appear tall and spindly, it may be due to insufficient sunlight. Chamomile requires full sun for optimum growth. Ensure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How Long Does It Take for Grow ing Chamomile?

The time it takes to grow chamomile depends on your chosen planting method. Here are the expected durations for each method:

Direct seeding: If you sow chamomile seeds directly into the ground, germinating can take 14 to 21 days. After that, it will take another 60 to 75 days for the plant to mature and produce flowers.
Transplanting seedlings: If you start chamomile seeds indoors and then transplant them into the ground, it can take about 10 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings are transplanted, it will take another 45 to 60 days for the plant to mature and produce flowers.
Using cuttings: If you propagate chamomile from cuttings, it can take about 2 to 3 weeks for the cuttings to root and start growing. After that, it will take another 60 to 75 days for the plant to mature and produce flowers.

Tips for Harvesting and Storing Chamomile

Harvesting and storing chamomile properly can help ensure that you get the most out of your plants. Here are some specific tips to follow:

Harvesting: Chamomile flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open and the center of the flower is slightly concave. It’s best to harvest chamomile flowers in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun is too high in the sky. To harvest, gently pinch off the flower heads and place them in a basket or bucket
Drying: To dry chamomile, spread the flower heads out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Make sure they are not touching each other. You can dry chamomile in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, or in a dehydrator set to a low temperature. Stir or turn the flowers occasionally to ensure even drying. Drying can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the method used.
Storing: Once the chamomile is fully dry, store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, in a cool, dark place. Chamomile can retain its flavor and aroma for up to a year if stored properly.

And that's a wrap!

As you’ve seen, growing chamomile can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. This plant is aesthetically pleasing and has many practical uses, from teas and aromatherapy to insect repellent and natural dye. By following the step-by-step guide in this article, you can easily plant and care for your chamomile and enjoy the benefits of your labor in no time.

So go ahead, give chamomile a try! With patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve successfully grown a plant with a rich history and many practical uses.