Chamomile is a popular flowering herb, cherished globally for its small, daisy-like blossoms often used to brew calming, aromatic tea. While commonly grown in garden settings, cultivating this plant successfully indoors requires specific adjustments to mimic its natural environment. This guide provides instructions for maintaining a thriving indoor chamomile plant and ensuring a consistent supply of fresh flowers.
Selecting the Right Variety and Starting Conditions
The first step involves choosing the correct species, with German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) being the preferred choice for indoor growers. German chamomile is an annual that grows upright and adapts more readily to container life than the perennial Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Roman chamomile tends to creep and is harder to manage successfully within a limited indoor space.
Select containers at least six to eight inches deep to accommodate the taproot and ensure adequate soil volume. Clay pots are beneficial because their porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate through the sides, reducing the risk of root rot compared to plastic containers.
The planting medium must be a sterile, well-draining potting mix; garden soil compacts easily and may introduce pests or diseases indoors. Chamomile seeds require light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown and gently pressed onto the soil rather than buried deeply. After sowing, lightly mist the surface to keep the seeds moist without washing them away.
Providing Optimal Light and Temperature
Light availability is the most demanding aspect of growing chamomile indoors, requiring intense illumination to thrive and flower profusely. Ideally, the plant needs six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, which often necessitates placement in an unobstructed south-facing window. Without this high light intensity, the plants will become leggy and produce few flowers.
Because natural light is frequently insufficient during winter months or in less-than-ideal window locations, supplemental grow lights are recommended for continuous cultivation. Using full-spectrum LED or fluorescent fixtures positioned approximately six to twelve inches above the plant canopy provides the necessary intensity. These lights should be run for 14 to 16 hours daily to simulate a long summer day.
Chamomile prefers cooler temperatures, thriving in a range between 55°F and 75°F (13°C and 24°C). Maintaining this moderate temperature is important because excessive heat can cause the plants to bolt quickly or become stressed. Keep containers away from direct heat sources like radiators, heating vents, or drafty exterior doors.
Standard indoor humidity levels are acceptable for chamomile, which is tolerant of average home environments. Consistent air circulation helps to prevent fungal issues, and extremely dry air should be avoided, especially if temperatures are at the higher end of the preferred range.
Ongoing Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Proper watering technique is important for indoor chamomile, which is susceptible to root rot. Allow the top inch of the soil surface to dry out completely between waterings before thoroughly saturating the pot until water drains from the bottom. Never let the pot sit in a saucer full of drained water, which suffocates the roots.
Chamomile is not a heavy feeder, reflecting its preference for leaner soil conditions in nature. During the active growing period of spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength every four to six weeks. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during the darker, cooler winter months when the plant’s growth slows significantly.
To promote a dense, bushy plant structure instead of a tall, weak stalk, pinch back the growing tips of young chamomile plants frequently. This action encourages the plant to branch out laterally, resulting in a more compact shape and a greater surface area for flower production. Regular pruning also maintains airflow around the leaves, which helps deter certain pests.
Indoor environments can sometimes lead to infestations of common houseplant pests, such as spider mites and aphids, which thrive in dry, warm conditions. If these pests are detected, treat the plant immediately using non-toxic methods, such as insecticidal soap or a dilute solution of neem oil, ensuring full coverage of the undersides of the leaves.
Harvesting and Utilizing the Flowers
The time for harvesting occurs when the small, white ray petals are fully open and beginning to curve slightly downward, signaling maximum concentration of aromatic oils. Picking the flowers slightly past peak bloom ensures the highest potency for brewing tea.
To harvest, gently pinch or snip the flower head just below the base of the petals, taking care not to include too much of the stem or surrounding foliage. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more blooms, prolonging the overall flowering period.
The collected flower heads must be thoroughly dried before storage to prevent mold and preserve their quality. Spread the blossoms in a single layer on a fine mesh screen or use a food dehydrator set to a low temperature until they feel completely crisp. Store the dried flowers in a dark, airtight container away from direct heat and light.