Chamomile Matricaria - organic seeds

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - Health Benefits and Growing Tips

Chamomile, also known as "German chamomile" or "matricaria" (Matricaria chamomilla), is an aromatic annual plant recognized for its delicate white flowers with a yellow center. Native to Europe and Western Asia, chamomile is highly valued for its medicinal properties and sweet, floral fragrance. This versatile plant is not only a great addition to your herb garden but also attracts beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for an eco-friendly garden.

Growing Chamomile Seeds: Tips for Success

Sowing:

• Sowing Time: Sow chamomile seeds directly in the ground from March to May, or start them indoors from February for an early start.
• Sowing Depth: Sow seeds shallowly, as chamomile requires light to germinate. Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them too much.
• Plant Spacing: Space your plants 20 cm apart and leave 30 cm between rows to allow for healthy growth.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Chamomile prefers a sunny location but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Chamomile thrives in light, well-drained soil that is not too rich in nutrients. It grows well in poorer soils.
• Watering: Water chamomile moderately, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.

Maintenance: Chamomile is known for self-seeding. To prevent the plant from spreading uncontrollably, remove spent flowers before they can form seeds.

Harvesting Chamomile

Edible Parts:

• Flowers: Harvest chamomile flowers when they are fully open. Dry them in a cool, airy place to preserve their medicinal properties.

Harvest Time: Chamomile flowers can be harvested from June to September, depending on the sowing time.

Uses of Chamomile

Culinary: Chamomile flowers are commonly used to make soothing teas and infusions. The flowers impart a gentle, floral flavor and are popular in herbal blends for their calming effects.

Medicinal: Chamomile is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and digestive-supporting properties. Chamomile infusions are often used to help with digestive issues, insomnia, and stress. Chamomile can also be used externally in compresses to soothe skin irritations.

Storing Chamomile

Drying: Chamomile flowers can be dried for later use in teas and herbal remedies. Dry the flowers in a cool, dark place, and store them in airtight containers to preserve their active compounds.

Freezing: While chamomile can be frozen, drying is typically the best method to maintain its medicinal properties.

Chamomile in the Garden

Chamomile is an excellent companion plant for cabbage, onions, and fruit trees. It helps repel harmful insects and enhances the flavor of neighboring plants. Additionally, chamomile attracts beneficial pollinators, which improves the biodiversity of your garden.