Chamomile - Key Growing Information
DAYS TO GERMINATION:
About 10–14 days.SOWING:
Starting transplants is recommended. Sow indoors in flats 4–6 weeks before planting out. Press the seed lightly onto the surface without covering it, since it needs light to sprout, and mist to keep the surface damp. Until seedlings emerge, alternate temperatures between about 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C) from night to day. Plant out when seedlings are 1–2" tall with 3–4 true leaves; older seedlings transplant poorly. Final spacing: 8" apart in rows 18" apart.To sow outdoors, plant as early in spring as the soil can be worked. Scatter seed in a narrow band and cover it only very thinly, because light aids germination. Keep the band moist until seedlings appear, then thin to groups of 2–3 plants every 8" in rows 18" apart.
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Full sun.SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Fertile, well-drained sandy loam.PLANT HEIGHT:
15-24".PLANT SPACING:
8" apart.HARDINESS ZONES:
Grown as an annual.HARVEST:
Pick flowers at full bloom; you can usually get 3–4 harvests in a season. To dry, spread flower heads in a single layer on a screen in a dry, airy place out of direct sun, and stir them every so often for several days until dry.Note: Chamomile reseeds freely and can spread aggressively if left unchecked.
