Collection: Chamomile Seeds

Enjoy the fragrance and medicinal properties of organic chamomile!

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Chamomile Seeds - Grow Organic

Chamomile Seeds: A Guide to Cultivating Tranquility

Chamomile: A Versatile Herb

Chamomile, with its delicate white flowers and soothing aroma, is a versatile herb that has been cherished for centuries for its medicinal and culinary uses. One way to enjoy the benefits of chamomile is by cultivating it in your garden.

Varieties of Chamomile Seeds

Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly divided into two main varieties: German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both varieties have distinct characteristics and uses.

  1. German Chamomile: German chamomile is an annual herb known for its feathery foliage and delicate, daisy-like flowers. It is prized for its high essential oil content, which lends itself to a wide range of herbal remedies and teas. German chamomile is popular for those interested in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.

  2. Roman Chamomile: Roman chamomile, on the other hand, is a perennial herb with small, ground-hugging leaves and tiny, daisy-like flowers. Its aroma is sweeter and less intense than that of German chamomile. Roman chamomile is often used in landscaping for its ground-covering abilities and its ability to release a pleasant scent when stepped on.

Planting Chamomile Seeds

Whether you choose German or Roman chamomile seeds, the process of planting and caring for them is quite similar. Here are the steps to successfully grow chamomile in your garden:

  1. Selecting the Right Location: Chamomile thrives in full sun to light shade. Choose a well-draining area with good air circulation for optimal growth.

  2. Preparing the Soil: Chamomile prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. Loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter to improve drainage.

  3. Sowing the Seeds: Chamomile seeds can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

  4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Chamomile does not tolerate soggy conditions well, so ensure proper drainage.

  5. Germination and Thinning: Chamomile seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to allow proper spacing and airflow.

Caring for Chamomile Plants

Chamomile is relatively low-maintenance, but it still requires some care to thrive:

  1. Watering: Water your chamomile plants consistently, but avoid overwatering. Deep, infrequent watering is ideal.

  2. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your chamomile plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

  3. Fertilizing: Chamomile doesn't require heavy feeding. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring should suffice.

  4. Pruning: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding, especially if you prefer a neater garden.

Harvesting and Using Chamomile

Harvesting chamomile can be a rewarding experience. To gather the flowers for various uses, follow these steps:

  1. Timing: Harvest chamomile flowers in the morning when the oils are most concentrated and the blooms are fully open.

  2. Method: Gently pluck the flower heads by hand or use small scissors. Leave some flowers behind for pollinators.

  3. Drying: To preserve chamomile for teas and herbal remedies, spread the harvested flowers in a single layer and let them air dry in a cool, dark place.

Chamomile can be used fresh or dried to make soothing teas, infusions, and topical preparations. Its mild, floral flavor and calming properties make it a beloved ingredient in traditional medicine and a pleasant addition to many culinary dishes.

In Summary

Chamomile seeds offer gardeners the opportunity to cultivate a versatile herb with a rich history of medicinal and culinary uses. Whether you choose German or Roman chamomile, following the right planting and care guidelines will allow you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of this delightful herb in your garden. From soothing teas to natural remedies, chamomile's versatility and charm continue to captivate gardeners and enthusiasts alike.

Enjoy our full collection of herb seeds for sale.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.