Dyer Chamomile [Anthemis tinctoria]

Dyer's chamomile is an old wild perennial scent and dye plant that was used to dye wool yellow in the Middle Ages and is native to parts of Europe and Asia. The robust and drought-tolerant plants are permanent bloomers, form a beautiful pasture for bees with their countless golden yellow flowers and have no special soil requirements. The plants develop narrow pinnate leaves that have gray, tomentose hair on the underside. The flowers exude a wonderful scent typical of chamomile.

General information
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Weak eater
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -20 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, dry, loamy, sandy, stony, humus

pH value: 5.5 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 5-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 cm

Optimal mixed culture: 
Unfavorable mixed culture: 

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to May or pre-cultivate in small pots from January to May.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from April to May or pre-cultivate in small pots from March to May.

General
Sow directly in rows or spread out. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible chamomile leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Dyer's chamomile prefers a sunny and warm location with a permeable, dry, stony, humus and sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Self-seeds easily and establishes itself in the garden without spreading too much. Soil that is too moist causes fewer flowers to form and promotes leaf growth. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds or division of the rootstock.

Plant care
A pruning in September to a height of 10cm causes strong new growth in the same year. Fertilize with plant manure in spring to promote strong new growth.

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Anthemis tinctoria
English names: Dyer chamomile
German names: Färberkamille, Färber-Hundskamille
Portuguese names: Camomila de tintureiro
Spanish names: Manzanilla tintorera
French names: Camomille teinturière