Grow Chamomile In Your Garden — But First, Decide Which Kind
Chamomile prefers full sun, which is considered 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day, and is perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. (Find your zone here. Note that the zones have been recently updated.) It will tolerate dappled shade, though it may not bloom as well. But in the hotter climates, it will do better in areas with some afternoon shade. Generally, it tends to do best in cooler climates.
Chamomile adapts to most types of soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It doesn’t like to stay soggy.
You will find it available in seed or small containers. Plant seeds in early spring, sprinkling over bare earth, gently pressing into the soil (but not burying them), then watering well. The seeds usually sprout in a week. It is a shallow-rooted plant, so plan to keep it lightly moist.
If using transplants, which are often in small 2 or 3-inch pots, plant several close together (not more than about 6 inches apart) so they can fill in faster. Like most herbs, you also don’t need to fertilize this plant.
When to Harvest Chamomile Flowers
Snip off the tiny white flowers when they are near full bloom. They can be steeped as a tea or used as a garnish when fresh or dried. Dehydrate or freeze them for longer storage.
Is Chamomile Toxic to Pets?
According to the ASPCA, chamomile is toxic to pets if ingested. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions or bleeding. If you think you pet has nibbled on any, even if you’re not entirely sure, contact your vet ASAP. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Common Problems with Chamomile
Chamomile is typically trouble-free, though you may see an occasional aphid infestation. If so, blast them off the with a garden hose. Recheck again in a few days, and hose off again.
Types of Chamomile
Treneague
A low-growing, non-flowering type cultivar, or cultivated variety, that is best used as a lawn replacement or filler. It’s propagated by division, not seed.
