Growing Chamomile: A Guide to Cultivate Your Own Garden of Calming Flowers
Are you looking for a beautiful and calming addition to your garden? Consider growing chamomile! This delicate flower is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has various health benefits. In this guide, we will take you through how to grow chamomile in your own backyard.
Choosing the Right Variety of Chamomile
Before starting to grow chamomile, it is important to know that there are two types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Both varieties have similar growth requirements, but they have slightly different appearances and uses.
German chamomile has white petals with yellow centers and grows taller than Roman chamomile. It is commonly used for medicinal purposes, such as easing stomach pain and reducing anxiety. On the other hand, Roman chamomile has small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers. It is mainly grown for its pleasant fragrance and is often used in perfumes and potpourri.
To decide which type of chamomile to grow, consider what you want to use it for. If you're interested in the calming properties, go for German chamomile. If you're more interested in the fragrance, Roman chamomile might be the better choice.
Planting Chamomile
Chamomile seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors before transplanting. However, chamomile can be picky about soil conditions. It prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. Additionally, chamomile requires full sunlight, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
If starting chamomile seeds indoors, sow them in biodegradable pots about six weeks before the last spring frost. Once the soil warms up and the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into your garden.
For direct sowing, scatter the seeds on top of the soil and gently press them into the dirt. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two weeks. Once the seedlings are established, thin them out to about six inches apart so they have room to grow.
Caring for Chamomile
One of the great things about chamomile is that it doesn't require much maintenance once it's established. However, there are a few things you can do to help your chamomile thrive.
First, make sure to water your chamomile regularly, especially during dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater it, as chamomile is susceptible to root rot. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Second, you may need to fertilize chamomile occasionally. Use a balanced fertilizer, applying it once a month during the growing season. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as it can cause the plants to grow tall and spindly instead of producing flowers.
Finally, trim back the chamomile after it finishes blooming to prevent it from getting too leggy. You can also deadhead the flowers throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms.
Harvesting Chamomile
The best time to harvest chamomile is when the flowers are fully open. Pick the flower heads in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Be gentle when harvesting, as the flowers are delicate and can bruise easily.
You can use chamomile fresh or dry it for later use. To dry chamomile, hang bunches of flowers upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once the flowers are fully dry, remove the petals from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Growing chamomile is a rewarding experience that yields beautiful flowers and multiple benefits. By choosing the right variety, planting in the right location, and providing proper care, you can enjoy the calming effects and lovely fragrance of chamomile in your own backyard. Happy gardening!
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