Dyers Chamomile Seeds

How to grow German Chamomile

Seed Sowing

Sow Chamomile direct in a prepared seedbed in autumn, or indoors from March, scattering the seeds over the surface of cool, moist soil. Seeds need light to germinate so either cover with a very thin layer of vermiculite or nothing at all. Allow 2 weeks for germination.

Transplanting

Once germinated, prick out and pot on into individual pots. Transplant your seedlings into their final growing position in May when the risk of frost has passed. They are also suitable for container growing but make sure your pot is at least 6 inches deep.

Plant Care

Keep the area weed-free and consistently watered, especially during hot spells. Chamomile prefers free draining soil so take care not to overwater. You can mulch around the plants to keep moisture and weeds at bay. Once established, Chamomile needs little maintenance other than slightly cutting back when the plants get a little leggy.

Challenges

Generally pest and disease-free, things to look out for are slugs and snails as plants get established or downy / powdery mildew.

Harvest

Harvest regularly as the more flowers you pick, the more that will be produced. Ideally harvest the flowers in the morning when temperatures are low and plant water content is high. Plants will arrange better if left to sit in water for a few hours after cutting.

If drying for culinary or medicinal purposes, harvest the flowers once opened and lay out on a flat, dry surface out of sunlight for a week or two. Store in a sealed container somewhere dark.

Culinary Ideas

Chamomile has many fantastic medicinal properties and is a great addition to a home apothecary. It’s best known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and power in helping to calm the nerves and relax the body.

Best known as a tea, use 1 teaspoon per cup of fresh or dried flowers and steep in freshly boiled water. For a great sleepy tea, gently warm milk in a saucepan and then pour into a cup, adding a heaped teaspoon of honey, dried chamomile and lavender flowers and leaving to steep for 4-5 minutes.

Seed Saving

Wait for the flowers to dry on the plants and collect by hand. The seeds are very small so spread out on a tray in a cool, dark place to dry further. You can then use your hands on a screen to rub the seeds loose. Store in a cool dark place.