There are many reasons you will want to include chamomile in your herb garden. This popular herb not only makes a soothing tea, but its daisy-like flowers and sweet scent make it a must have for your flower garden. Though it started out in Europe, this fragrant beauty has quickly spread world-wide and is easy to add to your collection as well.

Before You Plant

Choose the Right Type of Chamomile:

• There are two main types of chamomile, each with its own distinct properties.
• German chamomile is an annual herb that reaches heights of 2-3 feet.
• Roman chamomile is a perennial herb that only reaches a height of 4-12 inches, making it a good candidate for ground cover.

Find a Suitable Place:

• Chamomile plants need an area that receives full sun.
• If space is limited, consider growing this herb in a container either indoors or on a patio.
• Both herb gardens and flower gardens make great homes for the chamomile plant.

Prepare the soil:

• Proper drainage is important, but soil needs to hold moisture for the plant to grow.
• Soil should be average to rich in quality. Amend poor soil by working in rotted compost or organic matter.
• The acidity of the soil is another factor to consider. Chamomile will grow in a wide range of acidic soil anything with 5.6 – 7.5 pH. There are soil testing kits available at most gardening or home supply stores, or you can have your soil tested by a professional to find out if any adjustments are necessary.

Planting Chamomile

What You Will Need:

• Chamomile seeds
• Prepared soil
• Fertilizer
• Mulch

Steps for Planting Chamomile:

1. Properly prepare the soil before planting.
2. Seeds need light to germinate, so rather than sowing the seeds, broadcast them onto moist soil in the spring after the last frost.
3. Allow one to two weeks for the plants to germinate.
4. When seedlings have developed, thin the plants to 6 inches for ground cover or 18 inches for decorative plants.
5. Apply fertilizer regularly to achieve maximum plant growth.
6. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Placing mulch around the plants will help to retain moisture.

Growing/Harvesting Chamomile

What You Will Need:

• Garden clippers or scissors
• Tray
• Wire rack

Steps for Care and Maintenance:

1. Remove all dead flowers, otherwise known as deadheading, regularly to keep new blossoms forming.
2. Harvest flowers by cutting them off as they reach their peak bloom; use fresh in tea or dry for winter use.
3. To dry, place flowers on a tray and allow to dry thoroughly in a cool, dark place. Store in an air-tight container.
4. In the fall, cut the plant down and cover with mulch to provide protection from harsh winter weather.
5. Once planted, this plant will self-seed to produce new plants each year.

Additional Tips and Advice

• Since the flowers of the chamomile plant are eaten, avoid using any pesticides or sprays. If pests become a problem, try an organic treatment. Be sure to check the label carefully.
• Flowers can be used to make fresh tea or combined with other teas to make a delicious herbal blend. It also makes a great addition to punch as it can be served hot or cold.
• Use chamomile to make a hair rinse.
• Chamomile is often used to treat aches and the tea is often used to help with upset stomachs.
• Toothaches can also be treated by grinding the chamomile and mixing with a little water to form a paste. Apply to the irritated tooth for relief.