Growing Chamomile - Benefits and Instructions

 

Benefits of Growing Chamomile

  • Medicinal- Chamomile has been used medicinally since 500 BC. It has an extensive list of uses including; reducing fever, headaches, relieving digestive problems, skin irritations, insomnia, kidney and liver problems.
  • Use in: Teas, tinctures, decorating desserts, cocktails
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Growing Instructions 

Culture:

Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Rich, organic soil with a pH of 5.6-7.5. Chamomile can tolerate poorer soil conditions but plants may become droopy. Does not need fertilizer.
Moisture: Water young plants regularly. After plants have matured they are very drought tolerant.
Planting: Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last expected frost. Chamomile needs light to germinate, so scatter the seeds and press them firmly onto the soil, but do not cover the seeds with soil. Plants are ready to be moved outside when they have 2 true leaves, but must be hardened off. You can also direct seed chamomile outdoors, though you’ll get better germination if you do this in the fall and let the seed stratify over winter for a spring crop.
Spacing: Plant 1-2 chamomile plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.  Or plant in rows 8-10 inches apart.
Sow seeds: Sow seeds on top of soil and gentle rake in.

 

Harvesting:

Harvesting chamomile is a continuous activity, since chamomile flowers will bloom all summer long, especially if picked regularly. Chamomile flowers are ready to harvest when they are at full bloom, just before the tiny white petals begin to droop down. It’s not unsafe to harvest the blossoms if they’re a little premature or a little droopy, it’s just that the beneficial properties may not be at their fullest and most potent state.  The best time to harvest chamomile is early morning when the dew has dried.

Storage/Preparation:

Allow flowers to air dry by spreading them out in a single layer and leaving them in a dark warm place for 1-2 weeks. Flowers can also be dried in a food dehydrator or in a very low oven. Store dried flowers in a sealed container.

Companions:

Brassicas, onions, cucumbers, mint, basil

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