Chamomile Herb

How To Grow Chamomile

PLANT TYPE: Perennial (Chamaemelum nobile), Annual (Matricaria recutita)
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Perennial (Chamaemelum nobile), Annual (Matricaria recutita)
ZONE / HARDINESS: 3 to 5 for perennial
MATURE PLANT SIZE: 9 inches high x varied width due to spreading
LIGHT: N/A
FLOWERING PERIOD: June to August
SOIL TYPE: Light, dry soil
pH RANGE: 7.0
KNOWN PESTS: None
KNOWN DISEASES: None


OVERVIEW:
Chamomile is a small, bushy herb that grows flat along the ground. Chamomile species grow throughout Europe, North Africa and are often found growing wild.

Chamomile is used for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. It is excellent for childhood ailments. Chamomile is also used for allergies, burns, anaemia, fevers, insomnia, indigestion and tootaches.

Seeds should be planted first in small containers, 1/8 inch deep. When the plants are big enough to handle, transplant to 6 inches apart. Prefers light, dry soil. Keep plants moist until established. Although it is an annual, it will re-seed itself. Flowers should be harvested on a clear morning before the sun has drawn the valuable scent from the blossoms. Using scissors, pick the opened heads carefully. Spread on paper in a cool, dry, airy place. After the heads have become papery, store them in an airtight jar.


PROPAGATION / SOWING:
Division, seeds, or cuttings. Seeds should be planted first in small containers, 1/8 inch deep. When the plants are big enough to handle, transplant to 6 inches apart.


COMPANION PLANTING:
Grow chamomile near onions, cabbages, and wheat. It is said to repel flying insects and increase crop yield. It is grown with peppermint plants to intensify the oil of the peppermint.


CARE & GROWING:
The tiny seeds should be planted in small containers. Transplant seedlings 6 inches apart when big enough to handle. Keep them moist until they are established. For a lawn of English chamomile, plant the herb and keep it well watered until it is established. As the plantlets begin to creep, top-dress lightly with fertilizer to encourage spreading and matting.


USAGE:
Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal.Dried leaves and flowers are used to scent potpourris. Chamomile also is used for soothing baths and skin lotions. It adds golden highlights to blonde hair. Fresh flower heads can decorate and flavor fresh salads. Dried leaves are used in tea and mixed with half mineral water for a refreshing beverage. The plant also can be used to make dye (buff, yellow, or gold). Lawns can be created using the low-growing English variety (Chamaemelum nobile), which reaches about 12 inches in height and creeps until it flowers. The taller German variety (Matricaria chamomile) reaches 1 to 2 feet in height and can be used for accent in beds or gardens. The plant is said to have some medicinal qualities.

Land Cress..........superfood...!!

Re seeding and random crops...

Last years perpetual spinach has been pulled as they are going to seed, one or two plants are left so natural re seeding will occur. This has been a good method for the last few years, some seeds may be gathered for manual seeding next year. Lettuces are flourishing and about 30 other crops seem to be going well.

Update...2011 progress.

Break off the immature elephant garlic flower heads today. This then increases the size of the bulbs, all the energy reserves are prevented from going into the flowering process, the same is true for all the Allium family. More than 7 different varieties of Lettuce are present in the garden now, many of these have been allowed to re-seed from last year. Rocket 2nd early potatoes are looking superb and should produce a bumper crop.

Living off the land

Maybe around 30-40 veg and herbs to choose from in the garden...wow!!
Such a good growing year, the soil is in superb condition.....and I am feeling good!!!

Sowing seeds indooors...

The potatoes that had chitted nicely have been planted in shallow drills, Sowed some Leeks in a seed tray and placed them near a windowsill , also sow chilli plants and brussel sprouts out in to separate trays. So a new season has begun, the plot already showing Onions, Garlic and elephant garlic in a healthy state of development, even with the harsh winter conditions to contend with. Two raspberry and two blueberry shrubs are budding nicely. the olive tree I planted is loving its position and is thriving.....Tis surely going to be a fine season in the garden!

2010 .....First day of sunshine ....

Plenty of clearing ground and removal of any perennial weeds that linger in the allotment. Planted a couple of Raspberry bushes which are budding as are both the Blueberry bushes that have settled in well. The Olive tree is also looking good, as do the Elephant garlic bulbs that were planted last autumn also the overwintered onion sets are settled in with 4 inches of green growth showing. The spring cabbages are looking good and have survived the wood pigeons by netting, from now on all brassicas and kelp will also be permanently netted. So a new season is about to begin and the sun will shine through as the River Dart ambles on by....Happy Daze.....welcome to the future....