When to Plant Chamomile Seeds

Chamomile is a popular herb that is well-known for its relaxing and calming properties. This aromatic plant is commonly used to make teas, essential oils, and beauty products. If you're interested in growing chamomile in your garden, it's important to know when to plant chamomile seeds.

Germination Time

Chamomile seeds take around 7-14 days to germinate. During this time, they require moist soil and warm temperatures to sprout. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not over-watered to avoid drowning the seeds. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Planting Time

Chamomile seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost date has passed. This allows the plants to grow during the warmest and sunniest months of the year. Chamomile is a cool-season plant and will thrive in temperatures between 60-68掳F (15-20掳C). It's important to note that chamomile seeds will not germinate if the soil temperature is below 50掳F (10掳C).

Location

Chamomile is a versatile plant that grows well in a range of locations. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Chamomile grows best in well-draining soil that is not overly fertile. If you're growing chamomile in a garden bed, it's important to space the plants 6-12 inches apart to allow room for growth. If you're growing chamomile in a pot, choose a pot that is at least 6 inches deep to provide enough space for the roots to grow.

Maintenance

Chamomile requires minimal maintenance once it's established. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not over-watered. Chamomile does not require fertilization and too much fertilizer can cause the plants to become too bushy and inhibit flower growth. Deadheading the flowers can encourage new blooms and prolong the plant's lifespan.

Harvesting

Harvesting chamomile flowers is easy and can be done throughout the growing season. Simply pinch off the fully-bloomed flowers as they appear. Chamomile flowers can be used fresh or dried for tea and other herbal remedies. It's important to harvest the flowers in the morning when they are dry but not yet wilted.

In Conclusion

Chamomile is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that can be a great addition to any garden. Knowing when to plant chamomile seeds is essential for ensuring that the plants thrive. Chamomile seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost date has passed, and the soil should be consistently moist and warm for the seeds to germinate. Once established, chamomile requires minimal maintenance and can be harvested throughout the growing season.