German Chamomile: Versatile Herb for Tea, Medicine, and Beauty
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a fast-growing annual herb prized for its delicate, daisy-like flowers and aromatic foliage. Reaching maturity in 60-90 days, this bushy plant produces an abundance of white-petaled blooms with bright yellow centers, each less than an inch wide. Originating from Europe and Western Asia, German Chamomile has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties and soothing fragrance.
Renowned for its versatility, German Chamomile is most famously used in brewing calming herbal teas. Its flowers contain essential oils and flavonoids that contribute to its gentle sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Beyond its culinary applications, Chamomile is valued in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and as a natural remedy for various ailments. The plant’s ability to self-seed makes it an excellent choice for ornamental ground cover, adding a touch of whimsy to gardens while attracting beneficial insects.
German Chamomile thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained, sandy loam soils. It grows to a compact height of 24 inches, making it suitable for both garden beds and containers. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care. For optimal flavor and medicinal potency, harvest the flowers when fully open, typically in early to midsummer. Regular harvesting encourages continued blooming throughout the growing season.
Growing Success Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which occurs in 7-14 days
- Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation
- Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has dried for the best quality
German Chamomile offers a wealth of benefits with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its low-maintenance nature, coupled with its myriad uses, ensures that this herb earns its place in any garden or herb collection.
For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.
Product Features
- Annual herb with a bushy growth habit
- Daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers
- Aromatic foliage with a sweet, apple-like scent
- Self-seeding capability for easy propagation
- Mature height of 24 inches
- Full sun to partial shade exposure
- Well-drained, sandy loam soil preferred
- Average water requirements
- Hardiness zones 2-8
- Slow to moderate growth rate
Key Benefits
- Primary ingredient in soothing herbal teas
- Natural remedy for digestive issues and mild anxiety
- Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden
- Versatile use in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications
