Chamomile is an aromatic herb cultivated globally, primarily for its daisy-like flowers used to create a soothing herbal infusion. This plant is a popular choice for home gardeners seeking a practical and fragrant addition to their landscape. Successfully establishing chamomile begins with knowing precisely which variety to purchase and understanding the immediate requirements for its survival.
Identifying Your Purchase: German vs. Roman Chamomile
Before purchasing, the consumer must recognize the two most common species, which differ significantly in growth habit and primary use. German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is typically the variety sought for making tea. This species is a self-seeding annual, completing its life cycle in a single growing season. It grows upright, reaching heights of one to three feet, producing abundant flowers prized for their flavor and aroma.
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) functions as a low-growing, creeping perennial. Unlike its German counterpart, this variety is often used as a fragrant groundcover or for creating a “chamomile lawn” because it tolerates light foot traffic. Chamaemelum nobile is significantly shorter, generally staying below 12 inches in height. Its flowers, while aromatic, are sometimes considered more bitter when brewed into tea. Understanding this distinction is necessary to align the plant choice with the intended purpose.
Retail and Online Sources for Acquisition
The most common sources for chamomile acquisition are local garden centers, large retail stores, and specialized online seed companies. Local, independent nurseries often stock the most robust plant starts, offering the advantage of purchasing established seedlings ready for immediate transplanting. These local sources typically provide expert advice and plants that are already acclimated to the regional climate.
Large retail chains and big-box stores also sell chamomile, usually during the spring planting season, often at a lower price point. However, the selection at these stores is usually limited to one or two common varieties, and the stock quality can be inconsistent. For gardeners seeking specific or heirloom varieties of Matricaria recutita or Chamaemelum nobile, specialized online seed companies offer the widest selection.
Purchasing from dedicated seed vendors is ideal for the budget-conscious or for those wanting to grow in bulk, as seeds are far more economical than plant starts. Online companies also clearly label the specific botanical name, ensuring the correct variety is purchased for its intended purpose. While purchasing seeds requires starting the plant earlier indoors, it guarantees access to specialized or organic stock that may not be available locally.
Essential Post-Purchase Care and Planting
Immediate attention to the growing environment is necessary for successful establishment. Chamomile thrives in a location that receives full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day), though it benefits from afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. The soil must be well-drained, as waterlogged conditions can quickly cause root rot. Amending heavy soil with compost or sand is recommended before planting.
If a plant start was purchased, it should be spaced approximately 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Newly transplanted seedlings require consistent moisture to establish their root systems, needing about one inch of water per week until they are visibly growing. Seeds, particularly those of German Chamomile, require light for germination, so they should be surface-sown and gently pressed into the soil without being covered.
When starting seeds indoors six weeks before the last expected frost, the small seedlings must be gradually introduced to outdoor conditions before transplanting. This process, known as hardening off, involves progressively exposing the young plants to outdoor temperatures and wind over a period of seven to ten days. Watering can be reduced once the plants are established, as chamomile becomes quite drought-tolerant, but the top inch of soil should be checked for dryness before rewatering.