Common Chamomile is an organically grown, annual herb plant found in the wild and in (herbal) gardens all over Europe. Common Chamomile is also known as Southern Eye Flower, Small Chamomile, German Chamomile, Epeline and Field Chamomile. It is a member of the composite family (Asteraceae) just like: Afrikaantje, Endive, Artemisia, Aster, Bereoor, Marigold, Ball Thistle, Cornflower, Daisy, Daisy, Marguerite, Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Safflower, Lettuce, Road Thistle, Chicory and Sunflower. So this family contains an interesting mix of flowers and edible (vegetable) plants. The scent of this plant is strong and sweet. Common Chamomile is a very useful plant medically, also for other plants. If plants are dying, adding young common Chamomile plants can help.
True camomile has small flowers with a striking dark yellow heart wreathed by white petals on pale green stems with green feathered leaves. Tea drawn from dried camomile flowers is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. As some people can be hypersensitive to chamomile tea, it is wise to be careful with it and not drink it in too large quantities. Oil can also be distilled from the Chamomile flowers. This oil is used for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also added to plant-based medicinal creams and ointments. An infusion of camomile can also colour blond hair in a natural way. Common Chamomile grows best in open, moist, dry and tilled soil. The species is not fussy and grows on almost any soil. A sunny to semi-shaded place is preferred, though. True Chamomile can also grow very well on grass and lawns. Bees, Bumblebees, Butterflies, Hoverflies and other beneficial insects love the flowers of true camomile. This plant flowers from May to October. Non hardy annual. Height: 20 - 50 cm.
Outdoor sowing: March - May
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 15 - 18 °C
Sowing depth: shallow - ½ cm
Plant distance: 30 cm
Plant position: full sun
Harvest period: June - September
Flower period: May - October
Sow Camomile outdoors. Sow in rows or broadcast the seeds on a sunny plot with some shelter and good soil from march on. Rake the seeds in gently. Keep moist and weedfree. Thin the seedlings, when they're large enough to handle, to 30 cm apart. Camomile is an annual that can reseed itself.
Camomile flowers from May till October. It can be harvested from June till September. Spred the flowers carefully out on a drying rack in one layer. The drying has to be quick with a temperature not higher than 35 °C. Make sure You ventilate the room. Don't touch the flowers, because the dried flowers can pulverise very easily. Store Your dried Camomile flowers in air tight jars on a dark, cool and dry place to avoid molding.
