Growing Chamomile

Written by bmlengel on March 3rd, 2010

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

When you are ready to pick-up your chamomile, you can find two main varieties. These 2 kinds have similar functions, but because the appearance is different you should find it simple to select the right kind for your needs.

German chamomile has a lot of uses, including teas and fragrances (like in lotions). The combination of this herb’s woody, apple smell and daisy-like appearance can brighten any room.

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

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

To propagate German chamomile, begin with seeds in a container inside or sprinkle the seeds on the ground. Regardless of whether you plant the seeds indoors or outside, you don’t need to bury them because they are so tiny. The earth should be kept moist (not wet) and if you potted your German chamomile make sure you don’t transplant the seedlings until they are at least 4 inches tall. The best way to increase your harvest is to plant more seeds every four weeks during the growing season. The more German chamomile you grow, the better because this herb has a low floral yield.

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

Roman chamomile, which is frequently called “true chamomile” or “English chamomile” is also good in teas to ease nervous tension. This variety is a ground cover or creeper, unlike the German chamomile which is a bushy plant; however, both types share the woody, apple-like scent.

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

The oil from the Roman chamomile is used to lighten or soften your hair. Chamomile is also called manzanilla in Spain and some kinds are used to flavor certain varieties of sherry.

Roman chamomile does not do as well if started from seeds, so it is better if you purchase it or begin with a division from a friend’s plant.

If you’re a forgetful waterer, Roman chamomile is the plant for you since it is resistant to drought and can thrive for some time without water.

It is interesting that even though these two herbs have the same name, look similar and taste alike, scientists have determined that they are not 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.

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