Chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
Also known as
Scotch Chamomile, Pellitory Of Spain, St Anne's Flower, German Chamomile, Ground Apple, Common Chamomile, English Chamomile, Russian Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Roman chamomile, Sweet chamomile, Lawn chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile flower by Petruss (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 30cm |
10cm | Min | 20cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Chamomile Overview
Chamaemelum nobile is more often known better as Chamomile or Common Chamomile, amongst many other names. Chamomile is a perennial herb from the daisy family, Asteraceae. It produces feathery leaves, and large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres, often with double flower heads. Classically grown as a fragrant lawn or seat in herb gardens, as Chamomile is strongly aromatic. The flower heads can be harvested and dried, or used as a raw material for the extraction of the essential oil.
How to harvest Chamomile
Pick the flowers when in full bloom: pick on a dry day, early in the morning. Dry in an area where the light is excluded and the temperature is even. Turn and shake regularly. Chamomile should be dry in about 4 days – It will feel crisp and resilient.
How to propagate Chamomile
Division
Divide thick growing patches and cut off leaves with roots to replant.
Seed
Sow seeds in spring; Germination time 1-3 weeks.
Cuttings
From cuttings.
Special features of Chamomile
Attracts useful insects
Watch out for bees!
Repels harmful insects
The whole plant is insect repellent both when growing and when dried.
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Chamomile
Ground Cover. Beverage. Medicinal. Culinary. Cosmetic
Medicinal
Chamomile tea soothes, calm and relax. The flowers contain aromatic oils with powerful anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Edible
The fresh or dried flowers are used to make herb tea. Stems and leaves can also be added to flowers to make the tea. Pick fresh flowers and add to olive oil for aromatic chamomile infused oil.
Herbs
Whether its for their leaves or flowers, grow these plants nearby to use in culinary dishes.
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