Growing Chamomile To Calm Those Frazzled Nerves

Nothing like sitting down with a cup of Chamomile tea after a hectic day. A great way to soothe the nerves.

It’s delicate flavor will begin the soothing process, and when the chemical compounds within the tea take hold, you’ll feel so much better.

There are 2 main kinds of chamomile for you to select from. These 2 varieties share similar functions, but because the appearance is different you should find it a cinch to choose the right kind for your needs.

German chamomile has a number of uses, including teas and fragrances (like in lotions). The combination of this herb’s woody, apple smell and daisy-like appearance will brighten any room.

German chamomile is self-seeding, which is nice because it is an annual and this saves you some trouble with planting it again and again. You can even collect the seeds to use somewhere else in your garden or give some to a friend.

It prefers dry conditions and plenty of direct or full sun. It will grow straight up, unlike Roman chamomile, and your German chamomile herb should grow to a height of nearly 3 feet.

To propagate German chamomile, start with seeds in a container indoors or sprinkle the seeds on the ground. Regardless of whether you plant the seeds indoors or outdoors, you do not need to cover them because they are so little. Keep the sod moist, but not wet, and if you’re germinating your German chamomile in pots, wait until your seedlings are at least 4 inches high before you transplant them. If you are growing it outside, every four weeks throughout the growing season sow more seeds so that your harvest can be even greater. German chamomile produces few flowers, so the more you grow the better.

I haven’t seen the type of German chamomile that is double-flowered, but I am sure it is wonderful.

Roman chamomile, which is frequently called “true chamomile” or “English chamomile” is also good in teas to ease nervous tension. English chamomile has the same woody, apple-like smell of the German chamomile, but it is special in that it is a creeper or ground cover rather than a bushy herb.

Because this herb is a creeper, it will not reach more than 10 inches high. The Roman chamomile can get a little taller in the summer as well as grow pretty white and yellow flowers that are similar to German chamomile but more pungent.

The oil from the Roman chamomile can be used to lighten or soften your hair. Some varieties are even used to flavor sherry.

This plant is not actually best if started from seeds, so I recommend you buy it or start with a division from someone else’s Roman chamomile.

Fortunately Roman chamomile is drought resistant and able to thrive for long periods without water, for those of you who forget this necessary task.

It’s remarkable that even though these 2 herbs have the same name, look similar and taste alike, scientists have determined that they aren’t even related.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Tea Herb Gardening. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.

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