Seeds (Matricaria chamomilla)

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a graceful annual herb growing roughly 30-75 cm tall, crowned with masses of small white daisy-like flowers around domed golden centres. Its gentle apple-honey fragrance makes it the timeless choice for calming herbal teas, while the airy blooms bring soft charm to ornamental borders and pollinator gardens.

Planting

In Egypt, sow as a winter (Rabi) crop in autumn, from late September into October, once the peak summer heat breaks. Surface-sow by pressing the seeds gently onto the soil and leaving them uncovered, since they need light to germinate. They sprout best under warm alternating temperatures of about 20°C at night and 30°C by day, emerging in roughly 10-14 days. Choose a spot in full sun (6 or more hours daily); partial shade of 2-6 hours is tolerated. Space plants about 20 cm apart in rows about 45 cm apart, or start indoors and transplant seedlings at 2.5-5 cm tall with 3-4 true leaves.

Fertilizing

Chamomile is a light feeder and needs little fertilizer. Where soil fertility is low, work a balanced N-P-K 20-20-20 into the soil before sowing or transplanting at about 90 kg per hectare. Avoid over-feeding, as excess nutrients push leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Care

Grow in well-drained soil; clay or loam both suit it, and it even copes with poor ground. As the roots sit shallow, water to keep the upper soil moist but never waterlogged. Watch for aphids, the main pest, plus occasional powdery mildew, downy mildew or rust. Harvest the flower heads at or near full bloom, when petals are flat or starting to bend back, by snipping just the flower from the stem; regular picking prolongs the display. Remove all heads if you wish to prevent self-seeding.