Dunno anything special about growing it, it always grew and re-seeded without any trouble in our garden.

It's an annual up here, dunno down there.

For tea, yes, just pinch off the blooming flower and steep in hot water using a tea ball or strainer. Voila, chamomile tea.

At the end of the growing season, just pinch off the rest of the flower heads and dry them like you would your other herbs. You can keep them in a tin until next year that way. You should leave some flowers to produce seed for next year, though. Left alone and with insects to pollenate, they'll re-seed in the fall and you'll have chamomile again next spring. Just keep an eye on it every spring, it can take over your garden.

Thyme and basil make nice tea infusions on their own. :)

Hey, We're in the same area and I asked a similar question earlier this year see the link for the discussion on Chamomile in the South for more info. I don't yet have any personal experience but there were some great posts earlier.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chamomile in the South

Kris, thanks for the link. That is good reading. I hope to be successful in growing the chamomile. I see that I sure don't need to put it in full sun!!

Hi, Weldontx - I believe that it's a true annual (rather than a tender perennial). It finishes up before the summer is over here, and reseeds really really well. (In the cracks of the driveway, even.) I like to combine chamomile with marjoram, spearmint, and a little bit of lavender for tea - it really lends itself well to a lot of different combinations. Or just on its own with a little local honey and a good book. And a clean set of sheets... *yawn* wish I was there now!

(Oh, and I also combine it half-and-half with calendula petals for a hair rinse. Brightens blonde hair subtly.)

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is also known as Sweet False Chamomile. It is the annual form of chamomile, similar in appearance, habits and uses to the Roman Chamomile, though usually taller, about 70cm, its flowers are slightly smaller and they have hollow, yellow central disks. The foliage is not as fragrant, but the dried flowers are less bitter than those of C. nobile. It will self seed readily once established. (ie, it can easily become a weed!)

Cultivation: Propagate by seed sown in spring at a temperature of 22-24C. Germination takes about 18 days. Grow out for a year before transplanting. Plants will be 60cm or more at that time, and further growth is also rapid. Can also be propagated by cuttings, which are easy to strike in warm weather. A very resilient plant which can grow rapidly. It is frost-tolerant, but may die right back to the root during extreme winters. It is slow to set leaves in spring, and late to set flower. Moderate to heavy pruning in winter will stimulate growth. Will grow in most soils, but it must have good drainage. Plant is susceptible to root rot and nematodes, but is otherwise very hardy, and will even tolerate salty conditions. Grow in sun or partial shade, in moderate to moist soil. Best suited to tropical or sub-tropical areas. Growth rate is slower and mature height is less when grown in cooler climates.

Harvesting: Remove flowers when they are in full bloom, when the white rays are beginning to turn back from the central yellow disc, with the stem tips, and allow them to dry. If the flowers are infested with insects (a common problem), spread the flowerheads on a baking tray and bake at about 60C for 30 minutes, then sift carefully through a colander.

Usual Dosage: Pour 1 cup water over 1-2 teaspoons dried flowers, infuse for 10-15 minutes, strain. Drink hot or warm. Adults take 1-2 cups daily as required, children 1-2 teaspoons before bed.

Warning: Sufferers of allergies to daisies, ragweed asters or chrysanthemums should avoid using chamomile. In cases of fragile pregnancy, chamomile should be avoided as it will promote a delayed menses. It may cause stomach upsets in some people.

Daisy, thank you for such a helpful response. The harvesting was particularly good to see. I've not been able to find that info. Thanks to all for your input.
Weldon

I grow mine along with Lemon Balm and Catnip and combine all three for a wonderful night time tea.

That's a great combination! I grow all three and love them, but I like the idea of making a blend.

I've had problems finding the lower growing chammomile. I've bought both "Roman" and "German" and they seem to grow the same height. I really like it; so far it's lived thru two winters. (Not only lived, but stayed green all winter long, even under the snow!) And the scent of the foliage is wonderful! I've dried some to put in sleep pillows. It doesn't retain the apple scent as much as I'd like, but you do get a hint of it.

Alison,

Try Quailcrest Nursery in Worchester (pronounced wooster right?). Terrific place. I'm sure they would have both chamomile and labelled correctly which may be why your "Roman" and "German" looked the same ie one was labelled incorrectly. German-Matricaria recutia is a true annual (dies after flowering) that does reseed prolifically as the seeds are like dust. Roman-Chamaemelum nobile is a hardy perennial. In my climate C. nobile gets kind of rangy looking by mid summer so I give it a severe haircut and it comes back looking great.

Have fun!

Francesco DeBaggio

I think what I have is Roman chamomile, Chamaemilum nobile, and it either grows too well, or the seed packets underestimate the height. I keep looking at info that calls it a "groundcover" at 4-10" tall. I have it planted underneath some rosebushes, and that would be the perfect height. Unfortunately (and without any fertilizer or compost) mine always seems to be more like 18-24" -- and then it falls over!

I've done the same thing, and whack it down midsummer -- it srpings back better than ever. I love the smell, and I love the look -- I think I just need to move it back from the roses, or use it on the taller roses that have a greater expanse of knobbly knees to cover up.

Am I right in assuming the perennial spreads by the roots more than self-sowing?