Common Chamomile (German type)seed packet
- botanical name: Matriciaria recutita
- annual
- height 15-24″
- spacing 8″ apart, in rows 18″ apart
- full sun tolerant
- average soil
- flower color white with yellow centers
- uses in garden: great in containers, cut and dried flower, drought tolerant, fragrant
- use in teas, bathwater, and potpourri
Chamomile has a very old reputation as being an excellent companion plant; improving the health and well-being of anything it grows near. It may be because pollinators go wild on its lovely and profuse daisy-like, pineapple scented flowers. This is an improved German type chamomile which blooms earlier with high yields. Known widely for its calming effect, Chamomile is used in teas, bathwater, and potpourri.
Sowing Instructions:
Indoors – seeds should be started indoors in flats 4-6 weeks before transplanting to the garden. Seeds need light for germination. Press seeds gently into the surface of the growing medium. Mist to moisten and keep the surface moist. Keep flats at alternating temps of 68-86 degrees F. between night and day until germination. 10-14 days for germination. Transplant when seedlings are one to two inches tall (3-4 true leaves) as older seedlings do not transplant well. Final spacing 8″ apart, in rows 18″ apart.
Outdoors – direct seed as soon as soil can be worked. Scatter the tiny seeds in a narrow band and cover shallowly. Keep moist until germination. Thin to clusters of 2-3 plants space 8″ apart, in rows 18″ apart. Self sows readily. 60-65 days to harvest.
Harvest – gather flowers when in full bloom. Three to four cuttings are possible in one growing season. To dry, place flower heads one layer deep on a screen in a dry place out of direct sunlight and with good ventilation. Stir periodically over several days until dry.
