Growing Chamomile
Next time you are a little upset or on edge, use some chamomile tea. Its delicate taste will begin the soothing process, and when the chemical compounds within the tea take hold, you’ll feel so much better.
When you are ready to buy your chamomile, you will find 2 main varieties. These two kinds share similar functions, but because the appearance is different you should find it simple to choose the right kind for your needs.
You can use German chamomile for many different things ranging from teas to lotions. The combination of this herb's woody, apple smell and daisy-like appearance can cheer up any room.
A good benefit of German chamomile is that it is self-seeding, which is great since it is an annual and this way you do not have to replant it every year. You can even collect the seeds to try elsewhere in your garden or give some to a friend.
It’ll do best in full or direct sunshine and dry conditions. It will grow straight up, unlike Roman chamomile, and your German chamomile plant should grow to a height of nearly three feet.
The best way to raise German chamomile is to either plant the seeds in a pot inside or to sprinkle them on the ground. The seeds are so fine, there’s no need to cover with earth. Keep the sod moist, but not wet, and if you’re cultivating your German chamomile in pots, wait until your seedlings are at least four inches tall before you transplant them. If you’re cultivating it outdoors, every four weeks throughout the growing season sow more seeds so that your harvest can be even greater. German chamomile produces few blossoms, so the more you grow the better.
I haven't seen the variety of German chamomile that is double-flowered, but I am sure it is awesome.
A nice way to ease tension is to drink a cup of tea that has Roman chamomile in it, which is frequently called "true chamomile" or "English chamomile." This kind is a ground cover or creeper, unlike the German chamomile which is a bushy plant; however, both types share the woody, apple-like scent.
This plant can only grow to about 10 inches high as it creeps along the ground. In the summer, the Roman chamomile can get a little taller and sprout little white flowers with yellow centers that are similar to the German chamomile, but more aromatic.
If you’d like your hair to be lighter or softer, you can use the natural oil from the Roman chamomile plant. Chamomile is also called manzanilla in Spain and a few varieties are used to flavor certain types of sherry.
This herb is not actually best if started from seeds, so I recommend you buy it or begin with a division from someone else’s Roman chamomile.
Fortunately Roman chamomile is drought resistant and able to survive for long periods without water, for those of you who forget this necessary task.
You may not believe this, but even though these 2 herbs look alike, taste alike and have the same name, according to the scientists, they aren’t related at all.
Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.
Here is more information on Tea Herb Gardening. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.
