Chamomile Growing: Intermediate Techniques for Abundant Harvests

Introduction

You've successfully grown chamomile and want to maximize your harvests. This intermediate guide covers variety selection for different purposes, companion planting strategies, detailed pest and disease management, and methods for preserving and using your chamomile crop.

Advanced Variety Selection

Understanding Chamomile Chemistry

The medicinal value of chamomile comes from its chemical compounds:

Choosing Varieties by Purpose

For tea production:

• Bodegold: Large flowers, high yield
• Zloty Lan: Strong flavor, high oil content
• Standard German: Reliable, easy to find

For essential oil production:

• Zloty Lan: Highest essential oil content (0.8-1.5%)
• Goral: High bisabolol content
• Bodegold: Good oil yield

For ground cover (Roman):

• Treneague: Non-flowering, forms dense mat
• Standard Roman: Fragrant when walked upon

For medicinal use:

• Goral: High bisabolol (healing)
• Zloty Lan: High chamazulene (anti-inflammatory)

Diploid vs. Tetraploid Varieties

Note: Tetraploid varieties were developed through colchicine treatment and generally produce larger flowers with higher essential oil content.

Companion Planting with Chamomile

Beneficial Companions

Chamomile is known as the "plant doctor" for its ability to benefit nearby plants:

Vegetable companions:

Herb companions:

Plants to Avoid Near Chamomile

The "Plant Doctor" Effect

Chamomile has a traditional reputation for helping sick plants:

• Planted near stressed plants, may aid recovery
• Root exudates may benefit soil microbes
• Attracts beneficial insects that control pests

Propagation Methods

Growing from Seed (German Chamomile)

Best practice:

1. Surface sow—seeds need light
2. Maintain 60-70°F (15-21°C)
3. Keep moist but not wet
4. Germination: 7-14 days
5. Thin to 6-8 inches apart

Succession planting:

• Sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
• Last sowing 8-10 weeks before first frost

Division (Roman Chamomile)

When: Spring or fall

How:

1. Dig up established clump
2. Divide into sections with roots
3. Replant immediately
4. Water well
5. Keep moist until established

Allowing Self-Seeding

German chamomile self-seeds prolifically:

• Leave some flowers to set seed
• Seeds fall and overwinter
• New plants emerge in spring
• Can become slightly weedy (manage by removing unwanted seedlings)

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

Aphids

Note: Aphids are attracted to chamomile. Always wash harvested flowers before use!

Thrips

Disease Management

Damping Off

Powdery Mildew

Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold)

Root Rot

Maximizing Harvest

Harvest Timing

Optimal flower stage:

• White petals straight out from center
• Yellow center not yet cone-shaped
• Just before petals bend backward
• About 2/3 of tubular flowers open

Best time of day:

• Morning after dew dries
• OR midday when flowers fully open
• Avoid harvesting in afternoon heat

Harvest Techniques

Hand picking:

1. Pinch flower heads at stem
2. Collect in basket or bowl
3. Work through patch every 2-3 days
4. Regular harvesting promotes more blooms

Chamomile rake/comb:

• For larger harvests
• Pull comb through flowers
• Collects heads quickly
• Some stem material included

Yield Expectations

Preservation Methods

Drying Chamomile

Air drying (best quality):

1. Spread flowers single layer on screen
2. Place in warm, dry, dark location
3. Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
4. Good air circulation essential
5. Dry 1-2 weeks until crispy
6. Store immediately when dry

Dehydrator drying:

Testing for dryness:

• Flowers should crumble easily
• Stems should snap, not bend
• No moisture when squeezed

Freezing Chamomile

Method:

1. Harvest fresh flowers
2. Spread on baking sheet
3. Freeze until solid
4. Transfer to freezer bags
5. Use within 6 months

Note: Frozen flowers are less suitable for tea but work for other uses.

Making Chamomile Products

Chamomile tea blend:

• Dried chamomile flowers
• Optional: dried lavender, mint, lemon balm
• Store in airtight container
• Use 1-2 tsp per cup

Chamomile tincture:

1. Fill jar 1/2 with dried flowers
2. Cover with 80-proof vodka
3. Seal and store in dark place 4-6 weeks
4. Shake daily
5. Strain and bottle

Chamomile infused oil:

1. Fill jar with dried flowers (not fresh—causes mold)
2. Cover with carrier oil (olive, jojoba)
3. Steep 2-4 weeks in warm place
4. Strain and store
5. Use for skin applications

Seasonal Care Calendar

Saving Chamomile Seeds

Collecting Seeds

1. Allow flower heads to fully mature (petals fall, center browns)
2. Cut entire seed head when dry
3. Place in paper bag
4. Dry completely
5. Shake or rub to release seeds
6. Winnow to remove chaff

Seed Storage

Conclusion

Mastering chamomile growing involves understanding variety selection, optimizing growing conditions, and developing efficient harvesting and preservation techniques. With the skills in this guide, you'll enjoy abundant harvests of this ancient healing herb.

Ready for more? Our Advanced Guide covers intensive production methods, essential oil chemistry, and commercial growing strategies.