How to Grow Chamomile: Varieties, Planting & Harvest Guide

Chamomile, an annual herb with delicate daisy-like flowers and apple-scented foliage, is easy to grow and ensures a fresh supply for tea. Here's how to cultivate it successfully.

Chamomile Varieties

• Roman (Perennial): Cold-hardy, 30 cm, dense carpeting, feathery apple-scented leaves, white single-petal flowers. Medicinal.
• German (Annual): Upright, fine ferny leaves, white daisy flowers. Medicinal.
• Pineapple Weed: Annual, greenish-yellow flowers, pineapple-scented foliage. Yields golden-brown dye.
• Double-Flowered (Commercial): Propagated by division; flowerless version for pathways.

Growing in the Garden

From Seeds

1. Prepare light, manured, porous soil.
2. Spread seeds evenly; cover with thin soil layer (need light to germinate).
3. Moisten gently; sprouts in 2 weeks.
4. Transplant at 4-leaf stage.

From Saplings

• Choose healthy, disease-free, non-flowering saplings.
• Space 30–60 cm apart in sunny, well-drained spot.
• Best to sow directly where they'll grow (roots dislike transplanting).

Care & Maintenance

• Water regularly; feed organic liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
• Full sun prevents mildew.
• Pinch early growth for bushier plants.
• Stake tall varieties in heavy rain/wind.
• Keep soil moist and mulched.

Harvest

• Pick flowers early morning at full bloom.
• Use fresh or dry: spread on clean tray in cool, ventilated, dry place; store in sterile airtight jar.

Uses

Medicinal: allergies, burns, fevers, insomnia, indigestion. Oil used in bath/cosmetic products (anti-allergic).

A garden stroll amid chamomile flowers, followed by a fresh cup of tea—pure heaven.