Growing Herbs: Chamomile

Chamomile tea is fantastic for calming those frazzled nerves. The soothing begins 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 buy your chamomile, you will find 2 main types. They are similar in function, but not in appearance, so be sure you’re getting the right chamomile for your needs.

German chamomile has a lot of functions, including teas and fragrances (like in lotions). Its woody, apple smell is light and fresh and its scent and daisy-like appearance will brighten up any area.

A good benefit of German chamomile is that it is self-seeding, which is great since it is an annual and this way you don’t have to replant it annually. You can even collect the seeds to try somewhere else in your garden or give some to a friend.

It prefers dry conditions and a lot of direct or full natural light. German chamomile herbs grow straight up, which is different than how Roman chamomile grows, and will reach a height of almost 3 feet.

To propagate German chamomile, begin with seeds in a container inside or sprinkle the seeds on the ground. The seeds are so fine, there’s no need to cover with dirt. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and if you are cultivating your German chamomile in pots, wait until your seedlings are at least 4 inches tall before you transplant them. If you’re cultivating it outside, every four weeks throughout the growing season sow more seeds so that your harvest will be even greater. German chamomile produces few flowers, so the more you grow the better.

I haven’t seen the kind of German chamomile that is double-flowered, but I am sure it is brilliant.

A good way to ease tension is to drink a cup of tea that has Roman chamomile in it, which is frequently called “true chamomile” or “English chamomile.” It has the same woody, apple-like smell of the German chamomile, but it is special in that it’s a creeper or ground cover rather than a bushy herb.

Because this herb is a creeper, it will not reach more than 10 inches tall. 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 pungent.

The natural oil from the Roman chamomile is used to lighten or soften your hair. A few varieties are even used to flavor sherry.

It does not do as well if started from seeds, so it is better if you pick-up it or start with a division from a friend’s plant.

Fortunately Roman chamomile is drought tolerant and able to survive for long periods of time without water, for those of you who forget this necessary task.

It is remarkable that even though these 2 plants have the same name, look alike and taste alike, scientists have determined that they aren’t even related.

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.

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