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How to Grow, Propagate and Store Chamomile

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Chamomile is a perennial herb that has many uses. It is used in soothing teas, in aroma therapy, as a hair rinse and even in salads to give them a pop of color and a twist in taste. Chamomile has a reputation of being a bit temperamental, but once established, it is quite hardy. There are steps you can follow to have success with your Chamomile plants.

Things You Will Need

Chamomile
Garden spade
Garden hose
Garden snips
Seed starter soil
Small seed starter pots
Spray bottle
Food dehydrator
Tightly sealing containers

Choose location. It is not recommended that Chamomile be grown in containers.

Chamomile should be planted in a sunny location but will tolerate some slight shading.

It prefers soil with a pH level between 5.6 and 7.5. It is one of the few plants that does well in average to poor soil as long is it is well drained.

Direct sow Chamomile seeds in August by broadcasting and lightly mixing in with the soil. Seeds germinate in 7 - 10 days. It can be started indoors in February or March and hardened off before transplanting. Sow seeds in seed starter soil in small pots. Keep in a sunny, warm location and mist daily.

Plant Chamomile approximately 8 inches apart. It likes to be grouped closely. It will grow to be anywhere from 20 - 30 inches tall.

Harvest Chamomile flowers as needed once they bloom. Chamomile does need to be pinched to prevent self sowing.

To store, dry the flowers in a food dehydrator. The flowers will mold if not dried quickly and thoroughly. Once dry, store in airtight containers.