Chamomile, an herb known for its apple-scented flowers and calming properties, offers a rewarding growing experience. Cultivating chamomile from seed to healthy sprouts is a straightforward process, providing a fresh supply for teas and other uses. This guide covers nurturing chamomile from initial sowing to the thriving sprout stage.
Starting Chamomile Seeds
Starting chamomile requires selecting the right seeds and preparing their environment. Two types of chamomile are commonly grown: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), an annual known for abundant flowers used in tea, and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a perennial typically grown as a groundcover. For optimal germination, choose fresh, viable seeds from a reputable supplier.
Chamomile seeds thrive in a sterile, fine-textured seed-starting mix, ensuring drainage and aeration. Shallow trays or pots with drainage holes are ideal for sowing. Gently press seeds onto the surface of moistened soil; they require light for germination and should not be buried deeply.
Initial watering should be gentle to avoid disturbing seeds. Misting or bottom watering keeps the soil consistently moist without dislodging seeds. Chamomile seeds germinate best within a temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C). Consistent light, from a bright windowsill or grow lights for 12-16 hours daily, is crucial to encourage sprouting.
Caring for Chamomile Sprouts
Once seeds germinate and sprouts emerge, consistent care is important. Young chamomile sprouts require ample light to prevent them from becoming leggy, meaning they grow long and spindly. Provide 12-16 hours of consistent, bright, indirect light daily; supplemental grow lights are beneficial if natural light is insufficient.
Maintaining appropriate soil moisture is important for young chamomile. The soil should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to damping-off disease. Gentle watering techniques, such as misting or bottom watering, are recommended to avoid disturbing the delicate root systems. Allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings helps prevent fungal problems.
Chamomile sprouts prefer moderate temperatures, ideally 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C) after germination. Good air circulation around young plants is beneficial, helping prevent fungal diseases. A gentle fan provides this air movement, strengthening stems and deterring pathogens.
Transplanting Chamomile Sprouts
Transplanting chamomile sprouts from seedling trays to larger pots or garden beds is a delicate stage. Chamomile sprouts are generally ready for transplanting once they develop their first true leaves (the leaves after initial seed leaves) and are sturdy enough to handle, usually when 1-2 inches tall. Older seedlings may not transplant as well.
When transplanting, handle delicate seedlings by their leaves or root ball, not their stems, to minimize damage. Prepare the new pot or garden bed with well-draining soil, ideally sandy loam enriched with organic matter. Dig a hole wide enough for the root ball, setting the plant at the same depth it was growing previously.
After placing the sprout, backfill with soil and gently firm it around the base to remove air pockets. Water the newly transplanted chamomile thoroughly to settle the soil. If moving outdoors, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week or two, a process known as hardening off, before permanent placement.
Troubleshooting Chamomile Sprouts
Chamomile sprouts can encounter common issues. Leggy sprouts (long, thin stems) are typically caused by insufficient light. To remedy this, move the light source closer or increase light exposure to 12-16 hours daily. Ensuring cooler temperatures after germination also prevents stretching.
Damping-off disease is a common problem where sprouts wilt and collapse at the soil line. This fungal issue results from overwatering, poor air circulation, or non-sterile soil. To prevent damping-off, ensure drainage, avoid overwatering, and use sterile seed-starting mix.
Slow growth in chamomile sprouts can stem from several factors, including inadequate light, extreme temperatures, or nutrient deficiencies (less common in early sprout stage). Reviewing light, temperature, and watering practices helps address stunted development. Providing good air movement and avoiding overly dry or soggy soil conditions supports robust growth.