Chamomile is used for herbal remedies, beverages, and skin care products.
There are two types of common chamomile: German and Roman.
Both types boast fragrant flowers and grow quickly (reaching full bloom within about 10 weeks).
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They are best planted in the spring via seed and thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Read on for our care guide.
More sun typically leads to faster growth, but this plant grows rapidly by nature.
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Soil
Both versions of chamomile will flower best if grown in rich, organic soil.
They can survive in poorer mixtures, but it will often cause their stems to be floppier.
Chamomile is not particular about itssoil pH, preferring a neutral range of between 5.6 to 7.5.
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Water
Water young chamomile plants about an inch per week.
As they age and become established, the plants are drought tolerant.
It’s best to allow plants to dry out between moderate waterings.
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However, in extremely hot climates, chamomile will appreciate a bit more moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Chamomile is capable of thriving in any summer weather under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
It prefers a moderate temperature range between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because it’s drought-tolerant, it doesn’t thrive in excessively humid areas.
Fertilizer
Chamomile does not needfertilizer; it grows quickly without any particular need for feeding.
Pull off the flowers with one hand while holding the stem just underneath the flower with the other.
Leave the stems on the plant to encourage new buds to form.
When making tea, the flowers can be used fresh or dried.
Shake the seeds loose and store them in a cool, dry place.
Use them within three to four years.
Unlike German chamomile, Roman chamomile is a perennial.
you could also trim the stem after the first harvest of flowers.
Trimming encourages new growth and more flower production.
Harvest fresh flowers as they bloom for use in tea or deadhead faded flowers to encourage new buds.
Propagating Chamomile
Propagation methods differ depending on the chamomile typeRoman or German.
It’s easiest to propagate Roman chamomile by division.
German chamomile best reproduces by seed.
Both should be propagated in the early spring after the threat of frost is gone.
Dividing Roman chamomile is a good way to keep this rapidly spreading plant from overgrowth.
Start seedsindoorsabout six weeks before the last expected frost.
Water regularly, and they should germinate in seven to 14 days.
Potting and Repotting Chamomile
Chamomile can grow in any container that is at least 6 inches deep.
It requires ample drainage holes, using well-draining, pre-moistened potting soil enriched with fertilizer.
If you’re transplanting, dig under and around the plant’s roots.
The besttime to transplantchamomile is when the plant is only 2 to 3 inches tall.
Older seedlings do not transplant well.
Also, do not transplant the plant in the active flowering phase.
Overwintering
Chamomile may survive frost but will not survive freezing.
Move potted German chamomile plants indoors in winter to keep them alive in colder climates.
Plant it along a wall for a wind break.
If potted, wrap the pot with jute to prevent the soil in the pot from freezing.
Common Pests
Most insects stay clear of chamomile.
Chamomile is used as a cucumber pest deterrent.
However,aphidsand thrips can sometimes be a problem.
Both can be washed off the plant or treated with insecticidal soap.
How to Get Chamomile to Bloom
Bloom Months
Chamomile blooms in the spring and summer.
What Do Chamomile Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Chamomile blooms are small with yellow centers and white petals; they look like miniature daisies.
The flowers have a sweet, herbaceous aroma.
Other than that, this plant is super-easy: no deadheading or fertilizer needed.
Although, deadheading encourages new blooms.
But occasionally, it needs a little TLC.
It’s remedied by treating your plant with some fungicidal oil.
Cut back on the water and see if this makes a difference.
The leaves and flowers of the chamomile plant are edible in fresh or dried form.
The stem is not aromatic and is not palatable.
Yes, chamomile plants will spread as the plant self-seeds.
It can spread aggressively if growing conditions are right, however, it is not considered invasive.
