Chamomile Plant Care

October 23, 2023 Post a Comment

Chamomile plant care

Space chamomile plants 8 inches apart in full sun for best flowering. In hot climates, an area with partial afternoon shade is ideal. Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil when planting. Water immediately after planting, then give plants 1 inch of water per week until well-established.

Can chamomile grow in pots?

There are two types of chamomile: Roman, Chamaemelum nobile, and German, Matricaria recutita. Both are suitable for container growing, but German chamomile can get large, so you'll need a heftier pot to grow this one.

Is chamomile an annual or perennial?

Planting and Growing While German chamomile is an annual, Roman and dyer's chamomile are considered perennial in zones 4-7, but they are short-lived perennials and often grown as annuals, re-sowing seeds every year or two or allowed to self-sow. Chamomile can be grown from seed easily and self-sows vigorously.

How do I winterize my chamomile plant?

Move potted chamomile plants indoors in winter to keep them alive in colder climates. The University of Maryland Extension recommends moving the plants to a cool and very bright room away from the dry, hot air produced by forced air heating.

Does chamomile come back year after year?

Not all flowers are easy to grow from seed, but chamomile is one exception. It also reseeds itself very readily, so will often come back year after year on its own. The tiny seeds need sunlight to germinate, so spread them on the surface of the soil and gently tamp them down.

What month does chamomile flower?

Scientific name:	Matricaria chamomilla
Hardiness:	Annual plant
Temperature:	60-85°F
Flowers:	White with yellow centers, blooms spring through early fall
Light:	Full sun

Do I need to deadhead chamomile?

Deadhead faded flowers regularly – or harvest flowers before they fade – to encourage more blooms to be produced. In autumn, tidy up perennial plants and cut down stems to ground level after they have died back. Chamomile is generally pest free.

How long does a chamomile plant last?

In 6-10 weeks after germination, chamomile plants will generally be in full bloom and continue to produce new blooms right up until frost covers the area. These blooms are harvested throughout the growing season for healing and relaxing teas, or to be used for skin and hair care.

Is chamomile a good houseplant?

Chamomile is a fantastic herb to grow. Its foliage and flowers are bright, its fragrance is sweet, and the tea that can be brewed from the leaves is relaxing and easy to make. While it will thrive outdoors, chamomile will also grow very well indoors in a pot.

Does chamomile spread?

It spreads via rhizome and will eagerly take control of a small area if left to its own devices. This is an ideal plant to use as a permanent ground cover or lawn replacement. Although its flowers and leaves are suitable for harvest, the plant is typically grown instead for its benefits as a ground cover.

Does chamomile multiply?

Roman chamomile is easily grown from seed; if you allow your plants to go to seed at the end of the season, it will self-seed providing even more ground cover the following year.

Will chamomile reseed itself?

German Chamomile commonly reseeds itself, so saving seed is often not necessary for continued harvests year after year. Just leave a few flowers in the garden to set seed and they will sow themselves next season. Chamomile prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Dry at room temperature in a single layer.

How cold is too cold for chamomile?

It is a resilient plant that can survive night temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The best climates for the average chamomile plant are those with long warm days (enough sunshine hours) and cool nights.

Can chamomile survive the winter?

Chamomile plants can survive a little frost but not a heavy freeze. You can always pot up your German chamomile plants and move them indoors for winter if you live in a colder climate. Roman chamomile is a perennial down to zone 4 but benefits from covers to protect it from frost and wind.

Can chamomile live through winter?

Frost tolerant Young seedlings easily tolerate spring frosts, and may survive winters in mild climates. The easiest chamomile to grow is a cool-season annual.

What not to plant with chamomile?

Beets and chard. Beets and chard are another pair of plants that chamomile should not be planted near. These root vegetables require more nitrogen than chamomile, leading to stunted growth for both plants. Additionally, chard attracts pests like aphids which may also harm chamomile's growth potential.

When should chamomile be avoided?

Roman chamomile is considered generally safe. Chamomile may make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it. Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage. If you are allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.

What to do with chamomile plant after flowering?

After removing the flowers you'll notice all these little spiky stems left on the plant. That's

How tall does chamomile plant get?

It grows 3 to 6 inches tall, so it's about the height of normal turfgrass, and it won't require mowing. German chamomile is a beautiful, bushy annual that grows up to 3 feet tall, so it's better suited for a wildflower garden.

What does chamomile look like when it's ready to harvest?

When to harvest chamomile: You'll know chamomile is ready to harvest once its flower petals begin to droop backwards. This typically occurs in late summer or early autumn, about three to four months after planting.