Chamomile German

Climate and Soil Requirements

 Climate:

• Chamomile grows well in most Australian climates, from temperate to subtropical regions.
• It prefers cool to mild temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.

 Soil:

• Chamomile thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5.
• It can grow in poor soils but performs best in fertile, loamy soil.

 Sunlight:

• Plant in full sun (6–8 hours of sunlight daily) or partial shade, especially in hotter regions.

Planting Chamomile

 Seeds:

• Sow seeds directly into the garden or start indoors.
• Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in (they need light to germinate).
• Keep the soil moist until germination (7–14 days).
• Space plants 50 cm apart to allow for growth.

Watering and Feeding

 Watering:

• Chamomile prefers consistent moisture, but dislikes waterlogged soil.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.

 Feeding:

• Chamomile doesn’t require heavy fertilisation.
• A light application of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time is sufficient.

Maintenance

 Weeding:

• Keep the area around chamomile plants free of weeds, especially when they are young.

 Pruning:

• Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.

 Pests and Diseases:

• Chamomile is relatively pest resistant but can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

Harvesting Chamomile

 When to Harvest:

• Harvest flowers when they are fully open, usually in the morning after the dew has dried.

 How to Harvest:

• Pinch off the flower heads with your fingers or use scissors. Dry the flowers in a cool, dark place and store them in an airtight container.

Companion Planting

 Best Companion Plants

• Cabbage Family (Brassicas):
• Chamomile improves the flavour and growth of cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
• It repels pests like cabbage moths and aphids.

Cucumbers:

• Chamomile attracts pollinators and predatory insects that help control cucumber pests.

Onions and Garlic:

• Chamomile enhances the flavour of onions and garlic while deterring pests like aphids.

Mint:

• Both plants thrive in similar conditions and benefit from each other’s pest repellent properties.

Basil:

• Chamomile and basil grow well together and attract beneficial insects like hoverflies.

Tomatoes:

• Chamomile can improve the flavour of tomatoes and deter whiteflies.

Apple Trees:

• Planting chamomile around apple trees can help prevent fungal diseases and attract pollinators.

 Plants to Avoid

 Fennel:

• Fennel secretes chemicals that can inhibit the growth of chamomile and other plants.
• Parsley: May compete for nutrients and space.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

 Leggy Growth:

• Usually caused by insufficient sunlight.
• Move plants to a sunnier location.

 Yellowing Leaves:

• Overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is well draining.

 Poor Flowering:

• Lack of sunlight or nutrients.
• Apply a light fertiliser and ensure full sun exposure.