Growing Herbs: Chamomile
Next time you’re a little upset or on edge, try some chamomile tea. The soothing begins as soon as you drink the delicate flavor, and the chemical compounds within the tea will have you feeling calmer by the end of your first cup.
When you are ready to pick-up your chamomile, you can find two main types. These two kinds share similar functions, but because the appearance is different you should find it touble-free to select the right variety for your needs.
German chamomile has a lot of uses, 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.
German chamomile is self-seeding, which is good because it is an annual and this will save you some difficulty with planting it again and again. You can even collect the seeds to use elsewhere in your garden or give some to a friend.
It wants dry conditions and a lot of direct or full sun. It will grow straight up, unlike Roman chamomile, and your German chamomile herb should grow to a height of nearly three feet.
The best way to raise German chamomile is to either plant the seeds in a container inside or to sprinkle them on the ground. The seeds are so fine, there’s no need to cover with dirt. The earth should be kept moist (not wet) and if you potted your German chamomile be sure you do not transplant the seedlings until they are at least four inches tall. The best way to increase your harvest is to plant more seeds every four weeks during the growing season. The more German chamomile you grow, the better because this herb has a low floral yield.
I haven’t seen the variety of German chamomile that is double-flowered, but I am sure it is beautiful.
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.” English chamomile has the same woody, apple-like smell of the German chamomile, but it is unique in that it is a creeper or ground cover rather than a bushy plant.
This herb will only grow to about 10 inches high as it creeps along the ground. In the summer, the Roman chamomile will get a little taller and sprout little white flowers with yellow centers that are similar to the German chamomile, but more aromatic.
The oil from the Roman chamomile can be used to lighten or soften your hair. Chamomile is also called manzanilla in Spain and some types are used to flavor certain types of sherry.
Roman chamomile does not do as well if started from seeds, so it is best if you pick-up it or start with a division from a friend’s plant.
Fortunately Roman chamomile is drought resistant and able to survive for long periods without water, for those of you who forget this necessary task.
Believe it or not, even though these 2 herbs look alike, taste alike and have the same name, according to the scientists, they aren’t related at all.
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.
Tags: chamomile, gardening, growing herbs chamomile, herbs, tea herb gardening
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