Chamomile

Category: medicinal-herbs

Growing

📍 Zone: 3-9 (German chamomile is grown as an annual; Roman chamomile is perennial)
🌞 Sun: Full sun preferred, tolerates partial shade
💧 Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging
🌱 Soil: Light, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6-7)

📏 Height: 6-24 inches (German is taller; Roman is lower-growing and more mat-forming)
📏 Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
📅 When To Plant: Direct sow in spring after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before
🌱 Propagation: Easily grown from seed (German); Roman can be propagated by division or cuttings
⬇️ Depth: Sow seeds on the surface or lightly press into soil; they need light to germinate
🤝 Companion:
- 0: Cabbage (repels pests)
- 1: Onions
- 2: Mint
- 3: Basil
🚫 Avoid Planting Near:

✂️ Pruning: Regular harvesting of flowers encourages more blooms
🪢 Staking Or Support: Generally not required; taller German chamomile may benefit from support in windy spots
❄️ Overwintering: Roman chamomile overwinters as a low mat; German chamomile completes its lifecycle in one season

⏰ When To Harvest: When flowers are fully open but before petals start to droop (for best flavor and potency)
✋ How To Harvest: Pinch or snip flower heads; for large harvests, a chamomile rake or comb can be used
🥫 Preservation: Air dry flower heads in a dark, well-ventilated space; store in airtight containers away from light and moisture
⚠️ Edible Or Toxic: Generally considered safe; excessive consumption may cause allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to ragweed. Avoid during pregnancy in large amounts.
🍴 Culinary: Used in herbal teas (fresh or dried flowers); can be infused into syrups, desserts, or salad garnishes
💊 Medicinal:
- Digestive Soothing: Chamomile tea is traditionally used to ease indigestion, bloating, and gas thanks to its mild antispasmodic and carminative properties.
- Calming & Sleep: Well-known as a gentle relaxant to help reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep; often included in bedtime tea blends.
- Skin Care: Used topically as a wash or compress to soothe irritated skin, minor wounds, rashes, and insect bites. Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Oral Health: Mild antiseptic properties make chamomile useful as a mouthwash for gum inflammation or canker sores.
- Anti-inflammatory: Drunk as tea or used in poultices for mild inflammation, including menstrual cramps or sore muscles.
🌸 Aromatic: Delicate, apple-like fragrance; historically called the 'plant's physician' because of its beneficial scent in gardens