The Dazzling Chamomile Flower

Were you interested in growing Chamomile? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to grow and care for Chamomile.

Please read this guide to learn more about the flower and how to grow it!

Chamomile

The chamomile plant is a small member of the daisy family. It has a hairy stem and grows to about 20-60 cm (8-24 in) tall. The leaves are alternately arranged, oblong to lanceolate, and 2-5 cm (0.8-2.0 in) long. The flowers have white petals and a yellow centre and are approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter. The flowers are borne on a chamomile head, composed of many small florets.

Matricaria chamomilla is a dried flower that can be found pre-packaged at most health food stores. The tea is brewed using only the flower heads of the plant Camellia sinensis. It can be enjoyed fresh or dry and is naturally caffeine free.

Etymology

It is derived from the Greek chamos (ground) and melos (apple), referring to the low-growing plant’s habitat and apple-scented leaves and flowers. It has been used medicinally for centuries and was even referred to as the “plant’s physician” by Pliny the Elder.

Species

Here are some of the species:

Matricaria Chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, more commonly known as Chamomile, is an annual herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Chamomile is one of the most widely used herbs in the world and has been employed medicinally for centuries. It is native to Europe and Asia but is now found worldwide.

It has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The tea is still commonly used to help with indigestion, anxiety, and insomnia, the extract is also used in some over-the-counter medications for these same purposes.

Chamaemelum Nobile

Chamaemelum Nobile is a plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Europe and North America and has many subspecies. The plant is a herbaceous perennial that grows between 20 and 50 cm in height. When crushed, the leaves are alternate, entire, and have a strong scent. The plant produces small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres. It is grown commercially for its essential oil, which is used in various cosmetics and fragrances.

Anthemis Arvensis

Anthemis arvensis is a yellow Chamomile that is native to Europe and Asia. This can be found in meadows, pastures, and roadsides. It is a member of the Asteraceae family.

Anthemis arvensis has yellow flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter. The plant itself is about 30 cm tall. Anthemis arvensis is easy to grow from seed. Sow the seeds in spring or autumn in a sunny spot. The soil should be well-drained and chalky.

Anthemis Cotula

Anthemis cotula is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America. It is a short-lived perennial herb with white or yellow daisy-like flowers. The flowers have a strong, sweet scent. The plant grows to a height of 15-30 cm (6-12 in).

Clianthus Mixtus

Clianthus mixtus is a flowering plant member of the daisy family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but can also be found in North America. Clianthus mixtus has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today for its purported health benefits.

Clianthus mixtus is said to have several health benefits. The plant is an effective digestive aid and can also help relieve gas and bloating. Clianthus mixtus is also used as a natural treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

Chamaemelum Nobile

Chamaemelum nobile, or Roman Chamomile, is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia but has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. This is a low-growing plant that forms a mat of fragrant foliage. The leaves are finely divided and have a strong apple scent. The flowers are white or pale yellow and have a sweet, fruity flavour.

Chamaemelum nobile is a hardy plant that can be grown in most climates. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and does not need to be waterlogged. The plant can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.

Cota Tinctoria

Cota tinctoria is a flowering plant in the daisy family. The flowers are used to produce a yellow dye.

Eriocephalus Punctulatus

Eriocephalus punctulatus is a dried flower in many herbal tea blends. The tea has been used for centuries to help with anxiety, insomnia and stomach issues.

Matricaria Discoidea

This Chamomile is an annual that can reach up to two feet in height and has daisy-like flowers which can be white, yellow or red. The chamomile plant is part of the Asteraceae family, including sunflowers, asters and marigolds. Chamomile plants have been used medicinally for centuries and are still popular today. Chamomile tea is brewed using chamomile flowers and is thought to have calming effects.

Tripleurospermum Inodorum

Tripleurospermum inodorum is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant grows to 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) and has yellow or white flowers. The leaves are finely divided and have a strong fragrance.

Care

To care for the plant.

• Water them regularly and fertilize them monthly during the growing season.
• Pinch back plants to encourage bushiness.
• Deadhead flowers keep the plant blooming.
• It can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so water them early in the day and ensure they have good air circulation.
• Seeds, divisions, or cuttings can propagate.
• The plants are typically annual but may be perennial in warmer climates.

How To Harvest

To harvest flowers.

• Cut the plant about 6 inches from the ground when most of the flowers are in bloom.
• It can be harvested 2-3 times during a growing season.
• It is not harvested, it will self-seed and come back next year.
• To harvest, cut the plant when only a few flowers are in bloom.

Pruning

It should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins.

• To encourage bushiness, cut back the plant by one-third of its height.
• Pinching back the stem tips will also promote fuller growth.
• For a more compact plant, it can be sheared after blooming. If the plant is not pruned, it will become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

To prune:

• Cut plants back by one-third of their height in early spring, before new growth begins.
• Pinching back the stem tips will also promote fuller growth.
• For a more compact plant, can be sheared after blooming.

Propagating

The plant can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.

• To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with moistened potting mix. Once the seedlings have germinated, transplant them into individual pots.
• To propagate by division, dig up an existing chamomile plant and carefully divide the root ball into two or three sections. Transplant each unit into its pot.
• To propagate by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from an existing chamomile plant.

How To Grow

Chamomile can be started from seed, but it’s also widely available as a plant. If you’re beginning Chamomile from the source, sow the seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area.

From Seed

Chamomile seeds are delicate, so it is best to start them indoors in late winter/early spring. To grow from seed: 

• Fill a seed tray or pot with moistened seed starting mix.
• Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix, pressing them gently into the soil.
• Place the tray or pot in a warm spot (70-75 degrees F is ideal) and moisten the soil.
• The seeds should germinate in 10-14 days.
• Once they have sprouted, move them to a sunny location.
• When the seedlings are big enough to handle (2-3 weeks), transplant them into individual pots.
• Once they have reached 6 inches tall, you can plant them outdoors.

Potting And Repotting

Potting and Repotting are best done in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.

• Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes.
• Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix, and plant chamomile at the same depth it was growing in its previous pot.
• Water deeply after planting, and keep the soil moist but not wet.

Common Pests

The common pests found are Aphids, chinch bugs, whiteflies, and spider mites are some of the most common problems that attack plants. These pests can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases.

How To Bloom

If you want your chamomile plant to bloom:

• You need to ensure that it gets enough sunlight.
• It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• In addition, it needs well-drained soil and regular watering.
• You can deadhead the flowers when the plant blooms to encourage more blooming.
• Typically blooms from late spring to early summer.

Common Problems With Chamomile

Here is the list of common problems you may have while growing:

Brown Spots On The Leaves

Brown spots on leaves are most likely caused by a fungal disease called rust. Rust is a common disease that can affect many different types of plants. It is susceptible to rust because it is a member of the daisy family. The fungus that causes rust attacks the leaves and produces brown spots.

• To control rust, removing any affected leaves from the plant is essential. The best way to do this is to cut off the fake leaves with a sharp knife or pruning shears. It is also important to destroy any infected leaves you remove from the plant. This can be done by placing them in a plastic bag and putting them in the garbage.

Leaves Turn Brown And Fall Off

Leaves turn brown and fall off in Chamomile for several reasons. The most common cause is Chamomile’s reaction to changes in temperature. When the temperature outside begins to cool in autumn, chamomile plants enter a state of dormancy. During this time, Chamomile stops growing and produces fewer leaves. As the weather continues to cool, the chamomile plant will shed its leaves until it is completely dormant.

Other reasons why chamomile leaves turn brown and fall off include:

• Too much water
• Too little water
• Nutrient deficiency

Benefits of Chamomile Tea 

There are several benefits to drinking chamomile tea. These are the following benefits:

Reducing Menstrual Pain 

Tea is thought to be an effective home remedy for menstrual pain. It contains compounds that can relax the smooth muscle in the uterus, which may help to relieve cramps during menstruation. The tea also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar 

Chamomile has been used to treat diabetes for a long time. It is known to lower blood sugar by helping the body to produce more insulin. It also helps in improving the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. This helps in reducing blood sugar levels. The tea can be taken along with other medications for diabetes.

Slowing or Preventing Osteoporosis 

The tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective treatment for osteoporosis. It can help to slow the progression of osteoporosis and prevent further bone loss.

Reducing Inflammation 

It is thought to work by reducing inflammation. This may be because chamomile contains compounds such as apigenin and luteolin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, tea has been shown to inhibit the release of specific inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes.

Cancer Treatment and Prevention

It has been used to treat cancer and prevent cancer for centuries. It is a member of the daisy family and has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. It is shown to kill cancer cells in laboratory studies and to shrink tumours in animal studies. Chamomile tea has also been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting.

Help with Sleep and Relaxation 

It has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. It includes helping with sleep and relaxation and can also help to relieve anxiety, stomach cramps, and headaches. The most common way to use it is to drink it before bedtime. Chamomile tea contains an antioxidant called apigenin which has soothing effects. This means that it can help to promote sleep.

Treating Cold Symptoms 

Chamomile tea is effective in reducing inflammation and congestion in the nose and throat, and it can also help to relieve chest tightness and coughing. Tea is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against colds and other infections.

Treatment for Mild Skin Conditions

It is commonly used to treat mild skin conditions. The tea has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to soothe the skin and speed up the healing process. It can be applied topically to the affected area or drunk internally to help reduce inflammation from the inside out.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chamomile