Chamomile [Matricaria recutita]

The annual chamomile has been known as an herbaceous medicinal plant since ancient times because of its versatile medicinal properties. Because of its healthy ingredients, it mainly helps with stomach and intestinal problems and inflammation. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Chamomile is a very old annual and historical herbaceous medicinal plant from southern, eastern Europe and the Middle East. The ancient Egyptians revered this plant and Charlemagne even made it compulsory to grow chamomile. In the wild, the wild herb can be found primarily in nutrient-rich fields, wild meadows and fallow areas. The plants develop pinnate leaves and produce white flowers that are reminiscent of daisies. The bright blue essential oil extracted from the flowers has a variety of medicinal properties and is used for stomach and intestinal problems as well as inflammation. The antibacterial flowers can be used to make a good seed dressing, which promotes germination and reduces the risk of pest infestation in plants. The entire plant is edible. Chamomile is an indicator plant for loamy soils, propagates by self-seeding and, under ideal conditions, blooms reliably in the same location every year.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 0°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy loam soil

pH value: 5.5 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-25 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 15x20 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Kohlrabi, Cabbage, Leek, Celery, Onion, Nasturtium, Potato
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Chamomile prefers a permeable, nutrient-poor, dry to moist and sandy loam soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Additional watering results in faster growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
English names: Chamomile
German names: Echte Kamille
Portuguese names: Camomila
Spanish names: Manzanilla
French names: Camomille

 Origin 
Country: Germany