Common Names:

German Chamomile, Wild Chamomile

Quick Glance:

• Common Use: Medicinal herb and ornamental plant, known for its calming properties and use in teas, skincare, and aromatherapy.

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy annual herb; forms feathery foliage with abundant daisy-like flowers.

• Plant Size: Grows 12–24 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide.

• Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Key Feature: Fragrant flowers with white petals and a yellow center that are harvested for their soothing properties.

Common Names:

German Chamomile, Wild Chamomile

ID:

Scientific Name: Matricaria recutita

Family: Asteraceae

Physical Description:

German chamomile is a fast-growing annual herb with finely divided, feathery green leaves and slender stems. It produces abundant, small, daisy-like flowers with white petals surrounding a yellow, domed center. The flowers are highly aromatic and bloom continuously from early summer to fall.

Plant Size:

• Height: 12–24 inches.

• Width: 12–18 inches.

Light Requirement:

Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

How to Grow:

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0). Chamomile can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best with organic matter.

• Transplanting: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings when they are 2–3 inches tall, spacing them 6–10 inches apart. Handle the seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing their delicate roots. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the seedling, and gently firm the soil around the base. Water thoroughly after planting.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment, but once mature, chamomile is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilizing: Chamomile is low-maintenance and doesn’t require heavy fertilization. A light application of compost at planting is sufficient.

• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Trim plants back by one-third after the first flush of blooms to promote new growth.

Container Growing:

• Container Size: Use a pot at least 10–12 inches deep with good drainage.

• Soil: Fill with a well-draining potting mix.

• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Placement: Position the container in a sunny spot.

Pest Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, thrips, and spider mites.

• Solutions: Spray pests with water or use insecticidal soap. Chamomile’s strong aroma generally repels most pests.

• Diseases: Chamomile is resistant to most diseases but may develop root rot in poorly drained soil. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Spreading Habit:

• Spreading: German chamomile self-seeds readily, often returning year after year in favorable conditions.

• How to Handle: Thin seedlings and deadhead flowers to control self-seeding. Allow some flowers to mature if self-seeding is desired.

Companion Planting:

Chamomile benefits neighboring plants by improving their health and flavor:

• Basil and Mint: Enhances growth and repels pests.

• Onions and Cabbage: Helps deter aphids and cabbage moths.

• Fruit Trees: Attracts pollinators and predatory insects.

How to Use:

• Culinary: Chamomile flowers are used fresh or dried to make calming teas. The flowers can also be infused into honey, syrups, and baked goods for a floral flavor.

• Medicinal: Chamomile is renowned for its soothing properties, often used to relieve stress, insomnia, digestive issues, and skin irritations. Dried flowers are used in teas, tinctures, salves, and bath soaks.

• Ornamental: Its delicate flowers and feathery foliage make chamomile a charming addition to cottage gardens, herb gardens, and borders.

• Pollinator-Friendly: Chamomile flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Recipe Ideas:

1. Chamomile Tea:

   • Ingredients: Fresh or dried chamomile flowers, hot water, and honey (optional).

   • Instructions: Steep flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

2. Chamomile Honey Syrup:

   • Ingredients: Dried chamomile flowers, honey, water, and lemon juice.

   • Instructions: Simmer chamomile flowers in water for 10 minutes, strain, and mix with honey and lemon juice. Use as a sweetener for tea or desserts.

3. Chamomile Bath Soak:

   • Ingredients: Dried chamomile flowers, Epsom salt, and lavender essential oil.

   • Instructions: Mix chamomile flowers with Epsom salt and a few drops of essential oil. Add to warm bathwater for a relaxing soak.