(Matricaria recutita) German Chamomile is an easy to grow medicinal herb that produces tiny, daisy-like, apple-scented flowers that may be harvested 55 to 65 days after germinating.
This heirloom chamomile is the preferred variety for making herbal tea. In the garden, Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and pollinators.
Ancient authorities in herb use, such as Hippocrates and Galen, wrote of chamomile. It remains a popular and effective herb in modern times.
As a tea or infusion, the dried flowers and leaves of chamomile also make a sweet scented addition to sachets or potpourri.
• Scroll down for detailed growing info •
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
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• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
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• DIRECTIONS •
Days to emerge: 10 to 15
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6”
Thinning: When 1/2” tall, thin to 1 every 6”
~ germination ~
Chamomile seeds can be sown directly where they are to grow or can be started in pots or trays indoors.
Indoors, start the seeds in a seed-starting tray that's filled up to one-half inch from the top with moist seed-starting mix. Surface-sow the seeds and place the tray in a sunny window.
Keep the growing medium moist throughout the germination period. German chamomile seeds can germinate after about one to two weeks.
When the seedlings are 5cm (2in) tall, thin them so they're at least 20cm (8in) apart or transplant the indoor seedlings in the garden.
Transplant the seedlings about 20cm (8in) apart. Keep the soil free of weeds and water it regularly so the plants can establish themselves.
To direct-sow, start the seeds in early spring or late in the summer. The seeds can germinate when exposed to temperatures as low as 8°C (45°F) and the seedlings can tolerate light frost.
Because it can be difficult to keep the outdoor seeds moist to trigger germination, starting them indoors about four weeks before the last spring frost date might be preferred.
In the garden, German chamomile prefers a sunny position with well-drained soil. Scatter the small seeds over the soil surface and lightly tamp them down with the flat side of a spade or garden hoe. Avoid covering them with soil, because they need sunlight to germinate.
~ growing ~
Chamomile prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate light frost. Keep the soil moist while the seedlings are still developing, and control weeds to promote the plants' strong growth.
~ harvesting ~
About eight weeks after starting the seeds, when the plants are in full bloom, harvest the flowers with a chamomile rake. They can be dried by spreading them on a cloth and laying them in a shady area.
If you prefer to harvest the flowers with the stems attached, cut them off with scissors. If you want the flowers to re-seed themselves, avoid harvesting all of them and don't mulch the soil around them. The seeds that fall on the soil will regrow next year.
