Do you want a complete guide for growing Chamomile? Read till last for all the details.
Chamomile is an ancient European herb that belongs to the daisy family. It offers calming effects for several illnesses, including inflammation, fever, and stomach issues.
Chamomile also serves as a great companion plant. You can grow them around fruit trees (like apple trees) to prevent any fungal infections. It attracts beneficial insects/pollinators like hoverflies, ladybugs, and honey bees and wards off unwanted pests.
With all these benefits, let’s learn how you can grow Chamomile in your garden:
Things Required for Chamomile Planting
Chamomile is a herbaceous annual plant that sprouts from seeds. So, to get the best out of the plant, make sure to provide them with the following growing conditions:
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral
Bloom time: Summer
Plant spacing: 8-10 inches (plant), 18 inches (row)
Planting season: Spring
Water: Low requirement, once a week
Pruning: The plant needs to be pruned for winter
Transplanting: As Chamomile isn’t frost-tolerant, you should transplant it after the final frost date
Others: Herb growing accessories
Soil Requirements for Chamomile Planting
Chamomile requires rich and organic soil to flower well. It thrives at a pH of 5.6 to 7.5 (neutral).
The herb can be cultivated in different types of soils, except for the ones with a light texture and low water holding capacity. Although they can survive in poor mixtures, the stems tend to get floppy in such conditions. A good choice of soil for Chamomile is sandy loam.
How to Grow Chamomile?
Chamomile can be grown both indoors in window herb gardens and outdoors. You can grow them either through seeds or cuttings.
Select where and how you want to grow Chamomile and follow the below steps:
Growing Chamomile from Seeds
Start by keeping your Chamomile seeds and potting soil handy.
Take a container and fill a space of about ½ to ⅔ with the moist and pre-wetted potting soil. Plant the chamomile seeds about ½ inches deep. Make sure that the seeds are lightly covered with the soil.
Water the plant (lightly) to dampen the soil. Also, keep the seeds under adequate sunlight and check the soil for moisture.
Growing Chamomile in Pots
Choose a pot with multiple holes on the surface for good drainage (spaced about 2-3 inches apart). Next, prepare the potting mix with sandy loam and well-drained soil.
Transfer the seedlings to the pot and fill it up. Make sure to water the plant after planting the seedlings.
To plant Chamomile seeds in pots, sprinkle them on the soil and press down lightly. Do not bury it entirely, as it requires some sunlight to grow well.
Growing Chamomile Indoors and Outdoors
For indoor Chamomiles, it’s recommended to keep the plant near a heating pad or radiator, especially during winters. That’s because it requires about 68 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate.
You can also place them in a south-ward facing window for better growth. The plants should be ready to be harvested for tea after 60-90 days.
For outward Chamomile planting, you can directly sow the seeds or grow them through cuttings by snipping the stem under the soil. You can transplant the seed once it grows 2-3 inches tall with sets of true leaves.
Chamomile Companion Plants
Chamomile can be grown with several companion plants for mutual benefit. Gardeners and farmers often prefer growing fruit trees (like apples and peaches) for their antifungal properties. It protects fruit trees from fungal infections and keeps their health intact.
Chamomile can also be grown with basil, broccoli, and cauliflower. While basil gets good essential oil production, broccoli and celery get improved flavor with Chamomile. Cucumbers, on the other hand, benefit from the herb for its potential to attract insects like hoverflies and ladybugs.
Some other companion plants for Chamomile include:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Beans
- Bok Choy
- Lavender
- Roses
- Potatoes
- Zinnias
- Snapdragon
Make sure not to plant Chamomile with carrots, parsley, and parsnips. They can attract pests that can destroy Chamomile. Similarly, keep mint away from Chamomile as Chamomile can affect the flavors and aroma of the plant.
How to Care and Maintain a Chamomile Plant?
To ensure a proper growth of Chamomile plant, you should take good care of it. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Cut down infected, weak, or broken branches of the plant.
- Keep the soil moist during summer and spring for prolonged flowering
- Clean the perennial plants during autumn
- If you are creating a new Chamomile lawn, do not walk on it for 12-13 weeks.
- Remove weeds/perennial weeds before planting.
With the right maintenance, growing conditions, and care, your garden will bloom with Chamomiles herbs. We hope now you know everything about planting Chamomile.
