Chamomile, English chamomile, Roman chamomile
chamaemelum nobile
Also known as: ["Chamomile","English chamomile","Roman chamomile"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with daisy-like flowers and apple-like fragrance, widely used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Chamaemelum |
| Botanical Name: | Chamaemelum nobile |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny spot, or container on a patio
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use a mix with good aeration; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but not frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or shear lightly to encourage branching; remove dead or yellowing leaves as needed.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers; remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, scissors, or your fingers for pinching.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one (e.g., 2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure drainage; reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death if exposed to frost.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move containers indoors; ensure good drainage to prevent cold soil.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicChamaemelum nobile is not considered toxic to cats. It is sometimes used in feline calming products.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicChamaemelum nobile is not considered toxic to dogs. It is often used in pet care products for its soothing properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicChamaemelum nobile, commonly known as chamomile, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is widely used in herbal teas and topical applications for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is chamomile safe for pets?
A: Yes, chamomile is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Can chamomile be grown indoors?
A: Yes, chamomile can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and proper care.
Q: What are the main uses of chamomile?
A: Chamomile is primarily used for its medicinal properties, such as soothing teas, and as a culinary herb.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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