Growing chamomile in monastic medicine

As a medicinal plant, chamomile offers a broad spectrum of effects. Unfortunately, this member of the daisy family is becoming increasingly rare as a wild herb in nature. Therefore, it is a good alternative to grow chamomile yourself in your own garden or on the balcony.

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True chamomile is quite undemanding and therefore perfectly suitable for cultivation. This works both in the garden and in a pot on the balcony. It is best to plant chamomile in a sunny spot. With good care, the annual herb also tolerates a location with less sun.

True chamomile has more specific requirements for the soil. It prefers loamy to sandy soil. When planting chamomile, you should choose a humus-rich substrate with a pH value between 6.8 and 8. You can add compost, but the plant also thrives in nutrient-poor soil.

True chamomile is sown directly outdoors in spring. However, wait until the last frost has passed, as the young seedlings are very frost-sensitive. The best time to plant chamomile is mid-May. Alternatively, you can sow the herb indoors in a pot and start it early. Chamomile is a light germinator and must not be covered with substrate. Just press the seeds lightly onto the soil. One to two weeks later, the seeds will begin to germinate.

True chamomile is quite undemanding when it comes to care. Regular watering is of course essential. However, chamomile does not need too much water, as the herb dislikes waterlogging. Chamomile often dies on overly wet soil. Fertilizing is not necessary.

The best time to harvest chamomile is in full bloom: The flower heads have fully opened but have not yet wilted. Cut the plant at the stem just below the flower cluster and collect the heads. The flowering period lasts from mid-May to September, with harvesting usually taking place in June and July.

If you plant chamomile, it is worthwhile to prune the plant back a bit after flowering to encourage the growth of new shoots.