Chamomile is a lovely herb that produces dainty, daisy-like blooms throughout much of the growing season. Growing chamomile in containers is definitely possible and, in fact, works like a charm if you’re worried that chamomile, a generous self-seeder, may be too rambunctious in the garden. Read on to learn more about growing chamomile in a pot.
Note: This article pertains primarily to Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a perennial that works beautifully as container-grown chamomile. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a hardy annual that needs plenty of open space and, thus, isn’t recommended for containers. If you want to give it a try, use a very large container.
How to Grow Chamomile in a Container
Chamomile will grow happily in any type of container, as long as it has a drainage hole. Drainage is critical because like most herbs, potted chamomile plants are likely to rot in soggy soil. For the same reason, use a loose, well-drained potting mixture.
There are a few ways to get started with container-grown chamomile. The easiest is to purchase a small plant at a garden center or greenhouse that specializes in herbs. Alternatively, start seeds in small pots and transplant the seedlings to larger containers later, or save time by simply sprinkling a few seeds on the surface of the soil in a larger pot. A 12 inch (30 cm) container is roomy enough to grow one chamomile plant.
Don’t cover the seeds, as chamomile in a pot requires light in order to germinate.
Caring for Container-Grown Chamomile
Chamomile isn’t fussy, so potted chamomile plants require little care. Here are a few tips:
Allow the top ½ inch (1 cm) of potting mix to dry between watering, then water deeply and let the pot drain thoroughly.
If your container-grown chamomile is outdoors, move it into a shady spot when temperatures exceed 90 degrees F (32 C). Bring potted chamomile plants indoors before frosty weather arrives in autumn.
Chamomile doesn’t need much fertilizer and too much can decrease the aromatic essential oil in the leaves. As a general rule, a light application of a general-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer once every month is plenty.
Potted chamomile plants are relatively pest resistant, but small pests like aphids and mealybugs are easily treated with insecticidal soap spray.
-
Urban Composting Guide: How To Compost In The Middle Of The CityUrban composting does not have to be daunting. You can compost in the city, and maybe even try some urban worm composting!
-
Shrub Diseases And Pests To Watch Out ForShrub diseases and pests can be challenging. Learn how to recognize and eradicate them before they can present a danger to your plants.
-
How To Dry Chamomile Plants – Tips For Drying Chamomile FlowersChamomile, unlike other herbs, is harvested just for its lovely, daisy-like flowers, which are then preserved. Chamomile preservation basically means drying the chamomile flowers. There are four chamomile drying techniques. Click here to find out how to dry chamomile.
-
Chamomile Seed Info: How And When To Plant Chamomile SeedsAll chamomile types produce an abundance of seed that will quickly self-sow wherever it lands in warm, loose soil. Click on the following article to learn more about growing chamomile from seed and when to plant chamomile seeds in the garden.
-
Chamomile Not Flowering: Why Won’t My Chamomile BloomChamomile is usually the go-to remedy for so many things, but what can you go to when it is a chamomile plant that needs a remedy - for example, how to make a chamomile plant flower if it's not. Learn more about non-blooming in chamomile here.
-
Roman Vs. German Chamomile – Learn About Different Types Of ChamomileIf you're so fond of the tea that you decide to grow chamomile in your own garden, you may be surprised to find that there are different types of seeds and plants available. Click here to learn about distinguishing between different chamomile varieties.
-
Is Chamomile Edible – Learn About Edible Chamomile UsesTraditionally, many generations have appreciated chamomile for its curative qualities, and to this day, people rely on chamomile tea to calm frazzled nerves and relax at bedtime. But is chamomile edible, and if so, what parts of chamomile are edible? Find out here.
-
Harvesting Chamomile Plants: When To Pick Chamomile FlowersChamomile is useful for so many ailments and is easy to grow too, but how do you know when to pick chamomile? Not only do you need to know when to harvest chamomile, but how to harvest chamomile. Click this article to find out about picking chamomile plants.
-
Growing Chamomile Tea: Making Tea From Chamomile PlantsIf you?ve never thought about growing your own chamomile tea plant for tea brewing, now?s the time. Chamomile is easy to grow and thrives in a variety of areas. Use the information from this article to find out how to grow chamomile for tea.
-
Chamomile Tea For Gardening: Tips On Using Chamomile Tea In The GardenChamomile tea is a mild herbal tea often used for its calming effects and for its ability to calm mild stomach upsets. However, using chamomile tea for gardening may offer surprising benefits that most people haven?t considered. Learn more here.
