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Chamomile, German
Matricaria recutita
The more popular of the two lovely plants named chamomile (the other being Roman), German chamomile has extensive medicinal and culinary uses. Both leaves and flowers can be used. The flowers have a delightful scent: pineapple to some, apple to others. Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas, for its flavor and relaxing, sleep-inducing properties. In a similar way, its flowers sprinkled in a hot bath before bedtime are very sweet and calming.
Chamomile is commonly used in alternative medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic qualities, and sometimes in cosmetics for its anti-allergenic properties. It is very good for the muscular and digestive systems, and soothes irritated tissue.
Interesting Notes
Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it for its healing qualities. Its sedative and soothing properties made chamomile an ingredient in some love potions in the middle ages.
Chamomile, German Growing Tips
Very easy to grow.
Soil/light requirements – grow in full sun in sandy loam that is well-drained and fertile.
Harvest – gather flowers when in full bloom. Three to four cuttings are possible in one growing season. To dry, place flower heads one layer deep on a screen in a dry place out of direct sunlight and with good ventilation. Stir periodically over several days until dry.
Sowing Information Indoors - seeds should be started indoors in flats 4-6 weeks before transplanting to the garden. Seeds need light for germination. Press seeds gently into the surface of the growing medium. Mist to moisten and keep the surface moist. Keep flats at alternating temps of 68-86 degrees F. between night and day until germination. 10-14 days for germination. Transplant when seedlings are one to two inches tall (3-4 true leaves) as older seedlings do not transplant well. Final spacing 8" apart, in rows 18" apart.
Outdoors - direct seed as soon as soil can be worked. Scatter the tiny seeds in a narrow band and cover shallowly. Keep moist until germination. Thin to clusters of 2-3 plants space 8" apart, in rows 18" apart. Self sows readily. 60-65 days to harvest.
Height 12-16 Inches
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USDA Hardiness Zone Annual
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Our 2009 shipping season has ended for plants. All plant orders placed now will ship in the spring of 2010.
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Characteristics & Attributes for Matricaria recutita
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Attributes
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Fragrant |
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Border |
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Ground Cover |
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Cut Flower / or Foliage |
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Exposure
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Sun Tolerant |
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Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade |
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Growth Rate in the Garden
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Season of Interest (Flowering)
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Late Spring / Early Summer |
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Season of Interest (Foliage)
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Late Summer |
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Fall |
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Late Spring / Early Summer |
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Soil Moisture Needs
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