Matricaria chamomilla
Chamaemelum nobile
Chamomile is a beautiful plant with delicate daisy-like flowers. It's a wonderful companion to the garden ecosystem, it can be tucked around other plants to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, and it phases out just as summer plants are phasing in.
Growing chamomile
Many nurseries sell chamomile transplants in early spring, but in Central Texas, we find that to be too late to get chamomile started in the garden. Especially since you want to plant chamomile in full sun so it can bloom and it’s often just too hot for chamomile to want that situation by then. We start chamomile transplants in late summer-early fall and get them in the ground in the fall-winter. That way they can develop their leafy rosette throughout the winter months and start making blooms in early spring when the weather's still cool and mild. By June, the plants are often dried and crispy from the heat. We've found chamomile plants to do well in a range of soil types and be quite frost-resistant once they've had time to settle into the ground (of course a number of factors are at play here and everyone’s garden situation is different).
In a heavy freeze, you can help prevent frost damage by covering the leafy foliage with a mason jar. However, even uncovered plants tend to bounce back if well established.
Working with Chamomile
Chamomile is known to promote restful sleep, ease nervousness and digestive discomfort, and provide a sense of overall calm. The plant's apple and honey scented blooms are commonly added to tea blends, baked goods, syrups, fresh plant tinctures, glycerites, infused oils, body care products, and many other herbal preparations.
We love growing chamomile and often have chamomile plants for sale in Central Texas, depending on the season. Here's how to order plants from us.
These statements are for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed health care professional before consuming a new plant -- especially if you are pregnant or have pre-existing medical conditions.