Moira's Herbal - Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile (Anthemis nobilis)
AKA: Roman Chamomile

General Size & Description: Evergreen perennial which typically reaches 4 inches high and spreads up to 18 inches. White flowers with yellow centers bloom all summer.

Cultivation
Sun & Location: Adaptable to most conditions, but prefers sunny locations. Hardy to USDA Zone 4.

Soil preferences: Well-drained soil.

Spreading habit: Non- to slightly-invasive

Propagation: Can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Container gardening: May be grown in containers, but it’s best to do so outdoors. Indoors, plants tend to be leggy, soft, and disease-prone.

Companion plants: It’s said that chamomile is beneficial to all plants it grows near.

Maintenance:
Spring – Sow seeds, divide established plants
Summer – Water well
Fall – Take cuttings
Winter – Mulch in USDA Zones 4 and 5

Harvest:
Leaves – Gather in spring and early summer. Use fresh or dry.
Flowers – Pick when fully open, around mid-summer.

Culinary Uses

• Chamomile is marvelous as a hot tea. Chamomile tea sweetened with honey is my favorite for winding-down in the evening.

Household Uses

• Use an infusion of chamomile as a final rinse to brighten fair hair.
• Another variety of chamomile, Dyer’s Chamomile, can be used to make dyes that vary in color from yellow to olive, depending on the mordant used.
• Chamomile flowers are used in both herb pillows and potpourri.
• Chamomile flowers are among those preferred by honeybees.