Chamomile is a daisy-like flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but is now found in many parts of the world. It has a sweet, apple-like scent and is used in teas, aromatherapy, and herbal remedies. The flowers are small, white, and daisy-like, with a yellow center. The leaves are feathery and fern-like. It can be used fresh or dried, and is known for its calming and soothing properties.
Planning Your Garden With Chamomile
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Chamomile is an annual or perennial, depending on the species. |
| USDA Zone | Chamomile is hardy IN USDA Zones 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Chamomile is a hardy plant and can tolerate temperatures as low as 28. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest chamomile is 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown chamomile plant is between 12 and 24 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in width. |
| Spacing requirements | Chamomile grows best with a spacing of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) between plants. |
| Sun tolerance | Chamomile is a sun-loving plant and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. |
| Shade tolerance | Chamomile is tolerant of partial shade, but it prefers full sun for best growth and flowering. |
| Water requirements | Chamomile plants prefer moist but well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. They should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the summer months, chamomile plants can benefit from an occasional deep watering to encourage deep rooting. In winter, the water needs of chamomile plants are much lower and should only be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing chamomile depends on the type of fertilizer used and the soil conditions. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer should be used at the beginning of the growing season. If the soil is nutrient-poor, a higher rate of fertilizer may be needed. It is best to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the best results. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing chamomile is 6.0 to 7.5. |
Why Chamomile is Popular
People like to grow chamomile for many reasons. For one, it is a beautiful flower that produces fragrant blossoms. It is also very easy to grow and is a great addition to any garden. Additionally, chamomile has many medicinal uses, such as being a natural remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and stomach aches. Finally, it is also a great source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Companion Plants For Chamomile
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for chamomile include:
Common Pests For Chamomile
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow chamomile, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
