Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
German chamomile is grown for brewing tea or used in fragrances. Unlike Roman chamomile, it is an annual crop, although it usually self-seeds. Chamomile is easy to grow and can sometimes become invasive. It is one of the few plants that can be successfully grown in partial shade and poor soil, making it a perfect candidate for those shaded corners of the garden!
How to Grow Chamomile
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Varieties
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Companion Plants
Pests
Beneficial Critters
Growing from Seed
Chamomile needs light to germinate, so scatter the seeds and press lightly into the soil. Seeds can be started outdoors in the spring, but may do better when spread in the late fall and left to over-winter.
Planting Considerations
Chamomile is not picky, and can grow in most soil conditions. Usually, soil amendment is not necessary when planting chamomile.
Feeding
Fertilizer is not usually necessary.
Harvesting
The flowers and the leaves of the German chamomile plant are used for making tea. Harvest the chamomile flowers when they are fully open. If you find the leaves make your tea a bit too bitter, leave them out and just harvest the flowers.
Storage
The leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried and stored for later use.
