Chamomile
Family Anthemis
Genus Chamomilla
Walk with me through the garden. Do you smell that wonderful aroma…that faint scent of apples? Look down, it’s the Chamomile. The more you walk on it, the more scent will be released. Roman Chamomile has been a favorite of lawns and gardens in Great Britain for centuries because of the sweet smell and the ease of growth of this herb. Whether Chamomile of the German variety or the Roman, it is a favorite of herbalists.
Examples
The two main varieties of Chamomile are what we know as Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), considered by the English to be the “true chamomile,” and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), commonly known as wild chamomile or mayweed. German chamomile is considered by the Germans to be the “true chamomile.” While these are both considered chamomiles because of their flowers and there scent, they are actually two different plants.
Special Features
Chamomile has been known since ancient times. Early Egyptians used chamomile to cure chills caused by the malaria that was common there. Greek herbalists used chamomile for headaches, kidney problems, liver disorders and problems of the bladder. Chamomile tea has been used for centuries for all sorts of maladies and to calm the nerves. Bathing in chamomile has also been popular for centuries for relaxation and health. Chamomile has also been used on the body and hair.
Chamomiles have long been used for their fragrance. In England chamomile was used as a “stewing” herb to freshen the air, especially in homes where bathing wasn’t always available. The Spanish used chamomile to flavor sherry, calling it manzanilla.
Chamomile has also been used on the body and hair. Used on brown hair it can bring a golden tone to the hair and in blonde hair it can help to highlight the different shades of blonde.
Hardiness
Chamomile is hardy to Zones 3-4. German Chamomile is a tall annual, while Roman Chamomile is a perennial.
Growth Habit
German chamomile grow to a height of 2–3 feet. It is the one commonly used for teas and medicinals. This variety will reseed itself anywhere it is placed. This is not a bad thing as you may only get two or three cups of tea from a single plant.
Roman chamomile grows to an approximate height of 9 inches. The Roman variety is said to have a stronger scent than the German variety.
Bloom Time
The plants will start blooming in late spring and continue until very late in the summer. The flowers look similar to a small daisy. Roman chamomile has two different types of blooms: single-flowered and double-flowered. The flower petals are white with a golden center.
Propagation
Propagation can be done by seed. German chamomile is easier to germinate than Roman, but both can be started this way. The seeds will need light moist soil and should not be planted deep into the starter as they will not sprout. Seeds should be started 4-8 weeks before the last frost to get to transplant size.
German chamomile can be seeded directly outside, but it is best for this to be done in the fall so that the seeds can stratify (be exposed to the freezing of winter and the thawing of spring). German chamomile will reseed itself if some of the flowers are left in tact for this purpose.
Roman chamomile is quicker to start from the off-shoots an adult plant produces. The Roman variety can also be planted by division in early spring. If reset in good soil it is best if manure has been added.
Transplanting
Transplanting can be done when the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall.
Plant the Roman variety 12-18 inches apart as they will fill in beautifully as they grow.
The German variety can be planted 6-8 inches apart. Leave plenty of room for growth with these beauties. They will go tall and strong.
Soil and Sunlight
pH in the soil should be 6.7 for German chamomile and 7.0 for Roman chamomile.
Both prefer full sun if you are not in a hot, dry area.
They need a well-drained soil to thrive. The soil will need to be kept moist (not wet) for it to grow to its peak.
Chamomile grows best in a slight cool climate, although if given the right conditions of regular moisture and some afternoon shade, it can thrive in most places.
Care
Chamomile is an easy herb to care for. As with most plants, you will spend the most time in the early days right after transplanting giving your plants the most care. The seedlings will do best with a soil temperature of 70°F and being kept moist. Mulching to keep away weeds will also help them.
Harvest flowers often. The best way to do this for the optimum value for tea is by hand. Many herbalists have a chamomile “rake” to gather the flowers quickly and easily without doing damage to the flowers. The flowers should be harvested when the petals begin to turn back toward the center.
Pests and Disease
The most common pests to the chamomile are aphids and thrips. The plant is considered insect-repellant and has even been used to keep insects away from cucumber plants.
References
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
by Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton (Editors)
Herb Gardening for Dummies, IDG Books, Copyright 2000