How To Grow German Chamomile
The German chamomile is an easy plant to grow. It can withstand a variety of weather conditions and tolerates droughts well. Among its benefits are its ability to repel insect pests such as fleas and mosquitoes while at the same time attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. There is little nutrition taken from surrounding plants by this handy herb. The herb that comes to mind when you think of it is German chamomile.
How to grow german chamomile
The Germain chamomile thrives in high sun and is able to withstand drought conditions. 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost, start your seeds indoors. In this way, they become well established before hardening off and planting in the garden.
You can start seeds in a potting mix that drains well, sprinkling seeds and lightly covering them with soil. Your plants should be thinning once they reach just over 2 inches tall so that they have plenty of space to spread.
Before your seedlings grow flowers, they are less likely to adjust to being transplanted and should be planted in the ground as soon as possible.
After the last frost, directly sowing seeds in the garden is the simplest way to grow German Chamomile. A well-draining soil is ideal for growing chamomiles. Chamomile Germain is a great plant for your vegetable garden, as it self-sows.
The German chamomile you have in your garden should not be allowed to go to seed, as this will cause this plant to spread like a weed. After 6 to 8 weeks, they will be ready for harvesting, so you need to pay attention to them.
Consider planting in a large pot with good drainage if you do not want the plant to spread.
In a prolonged drought, German chamomile will thrive even if it is forgotten, provided it is watered. Well-draining soil is important to keep your plants healthy since German chamomile doesn’t like to get too wet.
How to grow german chamomile indoors
German chamomile generally grows best in large pots that have plenty of drainage. Providing german chamomile with enough sunlight will ensure that it thrives without fertilizer. In the summer, you should consider placing your german chamomile close to the sun.
A LED grow light can be used to provide adequate lighting to your plants during the winter. In a situation where you let your chamomile go to seed, it will continue to self-sow and replenish.
How to harvest and dry german chamomile
While the blooms are still young, you should harvest your german chamomile with clean shears to prevent them from going to seed. To ensure that your plant self-sows, do not harvest a full crop at once. Keep your harvest to a third of the plant at a time.
If you decide to sundry your plant after harvesting it, let it hang in a cool, dry place for a few days or take it indoors at night until it crunches between your fingertips. Tea made from dried german chamomile flowers has a subtle floral flavor and is calming.