How to Grow German Chamomile

Chamomile produces daisylike flowers with thin, ferny foliage.

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a low-care annual that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall with light, finely divided foliage topped by white blooms with yellow conical centers. Chamomile is an herb with many uses; its dried flowers can be be used as a tea for relaxation purposes as well as an analgesic for burns, cuts and scrapes. German chamomile has a light, applelike scent and taste.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Shovel
• Water wand
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Clear a site that has full sun and well-drained soil using a garden rake and shovel. German chamomile is not picky about pH level, thriving in moderately acidic to alkaline soil, or soil quality, often thriving in poor, clay soil, according to Purdue University's Center for New Crops and Plant Products. Make sure you wait until the soil temperature is warm. Planting in August or early fall while the weather is still warm and before the first frost is ideal.

2. Sprinkle these seeds directly onto the surface of the soil. Do not bury the seeds. They need light to germinate.

3. Water the seeds immediately with a water wand that produces a very light shower. You want to hold the seeds onto the soil, not wash them away.

4. Thin newly sprouted seedlings to 2 inches apart. Germination occurs in seven to 14 days. Continue to water with the wand frequently. Make sure the soil is draining well.

5. Harvest German chamomile by snipping off the fully open flower heads with scissors. They can be used fresh or dry. If you do not plan to harvest the flowers, be aware that chamomile can reseed aggressively. The wind can spread the seed from the flowers. It can pop up in unexpected places. In that case, simply pull up the extra plants and either find another location for it or pot it and give it to a friend.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your doctor before using German chamomile if you also take prescription drugs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it can amplify the effects of some sedatives and blood thinners, as well as interact with statins, birth control pills and some anti-fungals.

References

• New Mexico State University Extension: Spices and Herbs for the Home Garden
• Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products: Banana
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions with German Chamomile