Grow Chamomile in Pots This Winter

Chamomile is one of the rare winter-friendly herbs that deserves a place in every home garden. The delicate daisy-like flowers, sweet fragrance render it as useful as it is beautiful. And a medium size pot is good enough to grow your own batch of this potent herb.

Winter is a good time to grow chamomile in many parts of India, particularly in North India where the weather remains cool and pleasant. Chamomile is a flowering herb belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is native to Europe and parts of Western Asia and has been used traditionally for centuries in herbal teas, baking, skincare and home remedies. Its small white flowers with yellow centres are known for their gentle, apple-like fragrance.

Chamomile flowers are commonly dried and used to prepare herbal tea, while fresh flowers can be added to drinks, used in baking, added to bath preparations and DIY homemade skincare.

Common Varieties of Chamomile

There are two commonly grown types of chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

German chamomile is an annual herb that grows upright and produces plenty of flowers on tall, branching stems. Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial that spreads along the ground and is often used as a fragrant ground cover. German chamomile is more commonly cultivated for harvesting flowers and used in recipes. The chamomile we offer is German chamomile, making it a wonderful choice for your winter herb garden.

Steps to Grow Chamomile in Pots

What you need

Find a planter that is at least 8–10 inches deep and has drainage holes at the bottom. Chamomile grows well in loose, well-draining fine soil. You can prepare a simple potting mix at home using equal parts garden soil(without debris), cocopeat and vermicompost.

Planting

Chamomile seeds are extremely small and need sunlight to germinate. Gently scatter the seeds over the surface of moist soil without burying them. If you are sowing outdoors and are worried about wind blowing the seeds away, cover them with only a very fine layer of soil. Keep the surface moist until the seedlings appear.

Watering

Water thoroughly for the first two weeks of sowing with low pressure so as not to disturb the tiny seeds. After germination, water the planter only when the top layer of soil begins to feel dry. Chamomile seedlings need consistently moist soil while they are growing. More mature plants can tolerate slightly drier conditions. Remember to avoid waterlogging the soil, as constantly wet soil can damage the roots and kill the plant.

Sunlight

Chamomile grows best in a sunny location where it can receive around 5–6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Place your planter on a sunny balcony, terrace or windowsill to encourage healthy growth and plenty of flowers.

Temperature

Chamomile prefers cool to mild weather and grows well during the winter season in India. Temperatures between 15°C and 20°C are suitable for seed germination and early growth. Protect young chamomile plants from harsh winter fog and move the planter away from unusually strong afternoon heat.

Pests and Diseases

Chamomile is generally pest free, but aphids, thrips and spider mites can occasionally affect it. Check the undersides of leaves everyday and spray affected plants with diluted neem oil spray. Good air circulation, proper plant spacing of about 6 to 8 inches and well-draining soil will also help prevent fungal problems such as root rot and leaf spots.

Companion Plants

Chamomile is an excellent companion plant and makes a much needed floral addition to a winter vegetable garden. Its daisy-like flowers attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, making it a useful plant to grow around vegetable beds. You can plant it around lettuce, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and peas. Its delicate flowers also add colour and fragrance to your edible garden.

Maintenance During Winter

Chamomile does not require much maintenance during winter. Keep removing the dried or damaged leaves, keep the soil lightly moist and occasionally add a little vermicompost around the base of the plant. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as excessive feeding can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Keep an eye on small chamomile plants during particularly cold nights and protect them from frost.

Harvesting Chamomile at the right time

The chamomile plant should start flowering in about 90 to 100 days after sowing. Harvest the flowers when the white petals are fully open and the yellow centres are slightly raised. Pick them in the morning after morning dew has dried, using your fingers or a pair of clean scissors.

To dry the flowers, spread them in a single layer on a clean tray or cotton cloth and keep them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Turn them occasionally and allow them to dry completely. Store the dried flowers in an airtight glass jar, away from moisture and sunlight, for later use in teas and other preparations.

Recipe: Chamomile Cinnamon Moon Milk with Fresh Chamomile Flowers

Instead of hot chocolate, try this comforting bedtime drink during the cold season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk of your choice
• 5–6 fresh chamomile flowers
• 1 small cinnamon stick or ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method

1. Add milk and cinnamon to a small saucepan and turn on the heat at low flame.
2. Add the fresh chamomile flowers and let them steep for 5–7 minutes on low heat. Do not let the milk boil. Keep it on low flame throughout.
3. Turn off the heat and strain the milk into a cup.
4. Allow it to cool slightly before adding honey.
5. Garnish with a fresh chamomile flower and some cinnamon powder and enjoy it warm.

If you are into cozymaxxing this winter like us, Chamomile definitely deserves a spot in your winter garden. We hope you give it a try this month.

Happy Gardening!