Growing Chamomile
Chamomile tea is wonderful for calming your frazzled nerves. The soothing starts as soon as you drink the delicate flavor, and the chemical compounds within the tea can have you feeling better by the end of your first cup.
When you are ready to purchase your chamomile, you will find 2 main types. These 2 kinds share similar functions, but because the appearance is different you should find it not a problem to choose the right variety 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.
A nice benefit of German chamomile is that it is self-seeding, which is wonderful since it is an annual and this way you do not have to replant it annually. You can even collect the seeds to try elsewhere in your garden or give some to a friend.
It prefers dry conditions and a lot of direct or full sunlight. German chamomile herbs grow straight up, which is different than how Roman chamomile grows, and will reach a height of almost three feet.
To propagate German chamomile, begin with seeds in a container indoors or sprinkle the seeds on the ground. The seeds are so fine, there is no need to cover with dirt. Keep the sod moist, but not wet, and if you are cultivating your German chamomile in containers, wait until your seedlings are at least 4 inches high before you transplant them. 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 as this herb has a low floral yield.
I read about that one wonderful variety of German chamomile is double-flowered, which I would like to see.
Roman chamomile, which is often 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 varieties share the woody, apple-like scent.
This herb will only grow to about 10 inches high as it creeps along the ground. The Roman chamomile will get a little taller in the summer as well as produce pretty white and yellow flowers that are similar to German chamomile but more aromatic.
The natural oil from the Roman chamomile can be used to lighten or soften your hair. A few varieties are even used to flavor sherry.
This plant is not actually best if started from seeds, so I suggest you get it or begin with a division from someone else’s Roman chamomile.
If you’re a forgetful waterer, Roman chamomile is the plant for you since it is resistant to drought and will survive for some time without water.
Believe it or not, even though these two plants look alike, taste alike and have the same name, according to the scientists, they are not related at all.
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.
