Chamomile
Chamomile as a medicinal plant
Chamomile grows to a height of about 15-35 cm and flowers from June to September.
The plant originates from southern and eastern Europe, and in Sweden chamomile grows wild in parts of the country. It is also widely cultivated in gardens – both for its sweet flowers and for use in teas and skincare products.
The family name ‘Matricaria’ means womb. Chamomile got its name because its stem base is hollow like a womb. The species name ‘chamomilla’ comes from the Greek word for apple. The flower is so named because of its apple-like odour.
Chamomile is a plant with an impressive history as a medicinal herb. The list of folk medicine uses is long. Fever, inflammation, cramps, gynaecological disorders, cystitis, anxiety and nightmares are just the beginning. Chamomile has simply been traditionally considered a panacea.
In the Middle Ages, chamomile was grown in European monasteries. It was used both as a medicinal herb and to add a slightly bitter note to the brewing of beer.
Sowing chamomile
Chamomile can be sown directly outdoors early in the year as soon as the soil clears. Prepare the land by weeding, loosening the soil, watering and levelling the surface. Then sow the seeds sparsely and very shallowly. Keep moist during germination.
It is also possible to sow chamomile directly in autumn. The seeds will then germinate early the following year.
Chamomile is often propagated indoors for earlier flowering. The seeds are very small. Sow sparsely, cover with a thin layer of soil and keep moist during germination. Chamomile germinates well at room temperature. Once the first small leaves have appeared, the plants develop best if they are kept in a bright and cool place.
Chamomile thrives in all sunny locations
Plant out chamomile when the risk of night frost is over. Keep a distance of about 20 cm between the plants. Chamomile is easy to grow and thrives everywhere if it gets sunshine
It takes some time for the chamomile plant to establish itself, so it is good to keep after the weeds in the beginning.
Chamomile is great to plant with taller plants in a bed or pot.
Like all aromatic herbs, chamomile has the ability to keep pests away. WE like to have a few plants here and there in the vegetable garden. It looks both beautiful and lively with edible flowers among the harvest crops.
Caring for chamomile
Chamomile is a grateful and easy-care plant that does well on its own in the country. It can withstand a little drought. However, to ensure abundant flowering, you can water it with fertiliser once or twice a month and be careful with the watering can when it doesn’t rain.
Place grass cuttings or other organic material between the plants. This will keep the moisture in the soil, smother the weeds and provide extra nutrients as they decompose.
If you want the chamomile flowers to reappear in the same spot the following year, make sure to leave some plants in the land after the autumn fix. Or invite chamomile to a completely different part of the garden by soaking some seed pods in the soil there.
Harvesting and using chamomile
Harvest the flowers when they are fully open. Dry the chamomile in an airy and dark place. If the flowers are dried in too much heat or sunlight, they may become slightly bitter.
Fresh or dried leaves and flowers steeped in hot water make a mildly relaxing tea. Cooled chamomile tea can be used as a toner, for eye baths, mouthwashes and hair rinses. It is also a nice plant to use in baths and foot baths.
Dried flowers and leaves can additionally be blended into potpourri or scented sachets.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-10-14