What is chamomile, what is it good for and how do you grow it at home?
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the world’s best-known medicinal plants. For centuries it has been used in both folk and conventional medicine for its calming, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It is easy to recognise by its small white flowers with a yellow centre and its gentle aroma.
Most often used for making tea, chamomile also contains essential oils, flavonoids, coumarins and antioxidants that help with insomnia, digestive troubles, anxiety and skin irritation.
Quick facts
- Germination time: 7–14 days
- Germination temperature: 18–22 °C
- Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks
- Primary effects: calming, digestive, anti-inflammatory
- Vitamins/minerals: flavonoids, antioxidants, essential oils
- Effects on the body: reduces stress, improves sleep, supports digestion
Growing chamomile at home
Chamomile is an undemanding plant you can grow in the garden, on the balcony or indoors. It loves sunny spots and moderate watering.
In smart gardens like SIMPLY and AURELIA, growing chamomile is even easier – automatic watering and optimal light ensure fast growth and an abundance of flowers all year round.
Planting chamomile from seed
- Sow the seeds very shallowly – do not cover them with a thick layer of soil, as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge (7–14 days).
- Once the plant grows stronger, thin it out so it has enough room to spread.
- For best growth, use smart soil pods with seeds that already contain nutrients.
Growing in Simply and Aurelia smart gardens
Our smart gardens give you a constant supply of fresh chamomile with no transplanting or daily care. That way you can have your own flowers for tea or home remedies all year round – completely natural and always to hand.
How to harvest chamomile so it keeps flowering
- Pick the flower heads as soon as the petals begin to curve downwards.
- Regular picking encourages new flowers to form.
- They are best picked on a sunny day, once the dew has dried.
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
| Weak growth | Too little light or overcrowded planting | Move to a sunny spot, thin the plants |
| Yellow leaves | Too much water | Adjust the watering |
| Few flowers | Lack of nutrients | Add organic fertiliser or use smart soil pods |
| Pests | Aphids, mites | Remove by hand or use natural repellents |
| Fungal diseases | Too much moisture | Ensure good ventilation and moderate watering |
The difference between German and Roman chamomile
- German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): the most common medicinal variety, used in teas and remedies.
- Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): also medicinal, but stronger in flavour and more often used in aromatherapy.
How to store chamomile
- Drying: spread the flowers out in a dry, airy place, away from direct sunlight.
- Storage: keep them in an airtight glass jar in a dark place.
- Shelf life: dried chamomile keeps its medicinal properties for up to 12 months.
Conclusion
Chamomile is a plant with a rich tradition and a powerful effect on body and mind. It brings calm, supports digestion and strengthens the body’s resistance. With SIMPLY and AURELIA smart gardens, you can grow it easily all year round – always fresh and ready for tea, remedies or natural skincare.
