Believed by many to be the No. 1 most healthy medicinal plant backed by science, German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a wildflower-looking annual with fragrant flowers that are daisy-like with white petals surrounding a yellow center.
(There is another variety called Roman chamomile – Chamaemelum nobile – that is more often used as a spreading ground cover than for medicinal purposes.)
Chamomile tea is a traditional remedy made from the dried chamomile flowers, which are packed with flavonoids, a nutrient that is prominent in chamomile’s medicinal properties.
There are several health benefits (with positive studies as proof) linked to chamomile tea, such as:
- Reducing menstrual pain
- Preventing or slowing osteoporosis
- Reducing inflammation
- Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar
- Treatment for colds
- Aiding sleep and relaxation
That said, infants and very young children should avoid drinking chamomile tea as well as anyone with a history of severe allergies – pollen especially. Also, if you have had a previous allergic reaction to a product containing chamomile, you should also avoid the tea.
However, if you love the tea and are inclined to making it yourself from start to finish, this is what you need to do to grow healthy German chamomile plants:
How to Grow Chamomile
You can grow chamomile in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Even though it’s an annual, chamomile self-seeds profusely. Start seeds indoors, about six weeks before the last expected frost. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so simply scatter the seed and press firmly onto the soil, but do not cover the seed with soil. Seeds should germinate in seven to 14 days.
You can also direct-seed German chamomile outdoors. You’ll get better germination if you do this in the fall and let the seed stratify over winter, for a spring crop.
Light Exposure
Chamomile grows in either partial shade or full sun, although chamomile’s flowers are more productive in full sun. Still, if you live in a warmer climate, plant chamomile in partial shade. Flowers usually appear in late spring.
Soil
Chamomile is not too fond of overly rich, organic soil. In fact, these plants will survive in poorer soils but the stems might become floppier. Regarding soil pH, chamomile is not too particular, preferring a more neutral range between 5.6 and 7.5.
Water
Chamomile is somewhat drought tolerant. Allow plants to dry out between moderate waterings.
Temperature
If your summer climate is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chamomile should thrive.
Fertilizer
Doesn’t need it. Chamomile grows quickly (like a weed) without feeding it.
Harvest chamomile flowers for tea when they are fully open. The flowers can be used fresh or dried and stored for later use.
To make tea, use about a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers per cup. Place the chamomile blossoms in a tea infuser, pour boiling water over the chamomile flowers, and then steep for five minutes. When it is hot outside, add ice cubes after steeping for a fresh flavored iced tea.
(Source: Marie Iannotti thespruce.com)