Chamomile

A herb that has it all – easy to grow, several health benefits and with its daisy flowers, pretty in a garden or in containers… Chamomile will make you smile!

Known specifically for its medicinal properties and its use as a relaxing tea, chamomile is a fragrant herb grown as an annual that self-seeds year after year. There are two types of chamomile used more than others, German chamomile (Matricaria recutita also known as Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman or common chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

German chamomile is used more often in the herb garden as a herbal remedy. It grows around 60cm tall and has branched stems with feathery leaves and small white flowers with yellow centres. It also has more of an apple fragrance. Roman chamomile is half the size reaching only 30cm tall with fern-like leaves and small, white daisy flowers with yellow centres. What makes this plant useful, apart from its medicinal benefits, is that is can be used as an alternative to lawn. A chamomile lawn is a perfect groundcover for a sunny position planted in enriched soil. It will make a delightful display when it flowers in summer right through to autumn. The ideal chamomile lawn is for areas of minimum foot traffic and depending on the variety of lawn, will need mowing once or twice a year.

How To Grow Chamomile

Chamomile is a hardy herb that will grow practically anywhere. It prefers well-draining fertile soil in full sun, but will tolerate some partial shade. Seeds can be sown straight into the ground in spring and summer. It will take 100 – 120 days from sowing time to be able to harvest the flowers. Water regularly, but don’t overwater and feed once a month with an organic fertiliser to keep it thriving. Once established they are wonderfully low maintenance. The occasional pruning will help keep the plants neat and producing more flowers. After the flowers are harvested, trim the stems back with a sharp pair of secateurs to encourage new growth. Deadhead flowers regularly.

Harvesting The Flowers

Although the leaves are also used medicinally, it’s mainly the flowers that are harvested for use in teas and picked fresh for salads. Harvest the flowers early in the morning after the dew has evaporated and when the flowers are fully opened. At this time, the flowers will be at their peak, containing the most essential oils and the best fragrance.

Once your flowers are picked, you can dry and store them for use later. Air dying is the simplest – just tie the flowers in bunches and hang them upside down in a cool dry place for 1 – 2 weeks until they are completely dry and brittle. Alternatively, oven dry in a preheated 60°C oven on a baking sheet with one layer of flowers. This will take around 1-2 hours. You can also use a dehydrator or dry them quickly in a microwave.

Once the flowers are completely dry, store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Label and date so that you can keep track of their freshness.

Properties And Uses

Chamomile is known for its calming effects and for helping with sleep. It is also used for treating digestive issues and skin conditions and allergies. The flowers are often made into a tea with 1-2 teaspoons of flowers or leaves added to hot water and steeped for 5-10 minutes before straining. It can also be made into a tincture where a jar is filled with flowers and covered with alcohol. Allow this to sit for a few weeks and then strain and use sparingly on the skin. To make a salve also for the skin, melt 1 cup of coconut oil and 30g beeswax in a double boiler. Add a ¼ cup dried chamomile flowers and infuse for a few hours. Strain and pour into a jar to cool and solidify.

READ MORE: Include chamomile in your veggie garden!