Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile) is an annual herb plant that is native to most of Europe and western Asia. German Chamomile grows quickly during the warmer months to produce cute white flowers that are used in traditional medicine. It makes for a great companion plant both for sharing nutrients and in attracting good insects into the garden.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Matricaria chamomilla has a commonly used synonym, Matricaria recutita which is more often used by industries that produce shampoos and other health and beauty products. The flower is also known as True Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Scented Mayweed and Blue Chamomile.
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Growth
German Chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant that grows to a height of up to 60cm (24 inches) and requires around 30cm (12 inches) spacing. The species is a fast growing annual, that takes advantage of the brief warmer months of its cold native range. They like moist but well-draining soils that are poor in nutrients but do enjoy a fertiliser that is high in potassium.
German Chamomile grows long and narrow leaves that can be binpinnate or tripinnate and produce flowers with white ray florets with yellow disc florets. Flowering can occur 2-3 times per year depending on conditions, with the primary blooming period during early to mid-Summer.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7-30°C / 45-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 cm (4 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
65-80 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 20-25°C / 68-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 16000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Sometimes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA (German Chamomile)
Matricaria chamomilla is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world. For around 70 years, laboratory breeding has been conducted to increase the quality of the medicinal qualities of the flowers.
German Chamomile is often served as a herbal tea that is used treat insomnia, indigestion, anxiety, coughs, fevers and colds. The tea has also been used to sooth young children during teething.
Externally, flowers can be applied to wounds, skin disorders, sunburn, haemorrhoids and leg ulcers.
The flowers, leaves and stems of Matricaria chamomilla is also a very useful liquid feed for other plants and can be effective against some diseases. After harvesting, allow the remainder of the plant/s to steep in a bucket of water for 48-72 hours before applying the water to plants in the garden.
