There are a number of different types of chamomile, of which only real chamomile and Roman chamomile are important in medicinal gardens. You don't need to buy the annual herb in the supermarket or laboriously collect it in nature, because the quite undemanding plant can be cultivated quite easily in your own garden and even in a pot.
Which location does the real chamomile prefer?
Real chamomile needs a location that is as sunny, warm and dry as possible.
Which substrate is optimal for cultivation?
The optimal substrate is loamy to slightly sandy, humic and rich in nutrients. The soil should only be slightly damp, since the real chamomile likes it rather dry - if the plant is too wet, it will not thrive. The pH should be between 6.5 and 8 in the slightly acidic to basic range. The medicinal herb also thrives very well in black soil.
When can the seeds of real chamomile be applied?
The seeds are usually sown directly into the bed from the beginning of May. You can also put them out in autumn (September / October), the grown plants can be overwintered well with a little protection (e.g. with brushwood to cover them).
How is real chamomile sown?
Real chamomile needs light to germinate, so the fine seeds should not be covered with soil. The sowing site must be prepared well in advance: the soil is loosened and raked well, weeds are completely removed and mature compost is spread.
Can I also prefer real chamomile?
From the beginning of March you can also prefer real chamomile on the windowsill. From the beginning of May, the young plants belong in the bed or in the pot in the fresh air.
Is a pot culture possible?
Yes, real chamomile can also be cultivated in pots (e.g. on the balcony). However, it is not a houseplant, because the chamomile must always be outside.
When does the real chamomile bloom and when can it be harvested?
The pretty flowers with the bright white aureoles can be admired between May and September. Only harvest the flowers when they are fully bloomed.
Good Neighbors / Bad Neighbors
In a mixed culture, real chamomile gets along very well with kohlrabi and other types of cabbage, onions, leeks, celery, potatoes and nasturtium.
tips and tricks
The fully blossomed flower heads are best harvested on a sunny and warm day at midday, as this is when the essential oil content is at its highest.
IJA