Does Chamomile Grow in Uk? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, chamomile absolutely grows well in the UK, with both Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) thriving in its temperate climate. The UK's moderate temperatures, typically moist conditions, and generally well-draining soils provide suitable growing environments for these versatile herbs. Many gardeners successfully cultivate chamomile for its delicate, apple-scented flowers, which are popular for herbal teas and traditional remedies.

What are the two main types of chamomile and which grows best in the UK?

The two main types of chamomile are Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and both grow well in the UK, though they have slightly different growth habits and preferences that might make one a better choice depending on your specific needs. Both are well-suited to the UK's temperate climate.

1. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile):

• Life Cycle: A hardy perennial, meaning it lives for multiple years, returning each spring.
• Growth Habit: It's a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a dense, mat-like groundcover. It typically reaches a height of only 4-12 inches (10-30 cm). It's sometimes used as a chamomile lawn alternative.
• Flowers: Produces small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers, usually blooming from early to late summer. The flowers can be single or double, depending on the cultivar.
• Fragrance: Known for its strong, sweet, apple-like fragrance, especially when walked upon (if used as a lawn).
• Culinary/Medicinal Use: Both the flowers and leaves are used for tea, although the flowers are preferred. It has a slightly more bitter taste than German Chamomile.
• Best in UK: Excellent for UK gardens. Its perennial nature and groundcover habit make it a popular choice for permanent plantings, pathways, and ornamental beds. It's very tolerant of typical UK weather.

2. German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita):

• Life Cycle: An annual, meaning it completes its life cycle within one growing season, germinating, flowering, setting seed, and dying within a year. However, it often readily self-seeds, giving the impression of perennial growth in suitable conditions.
• Growth Habit: Grows more upright and bushy than Roman Chamomile, typically reaching 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height.
• Flowers: Produces an abundance of small, classic daisy-like flowers with white petals and a distinctive conical, hollow yellow center.
• Fragrance: Has a pleasant, slightly fruity, apple-like scent, particularly from the flowers.
• Culinary/Medicinal Use: This is the most common type used for herbal tea and medicinal purposes. Its flowers have a milder, sweeter flavor than Roman Chamomile.
• Best in UK: Also excellent for UK gardens, especially if you prefer an annual crop for fresh harvesting each year or want taller plants for flower production. Its self-seeding habit means it often returns reliably without annual replanting.

Conclusion: Both Roman and German Chamomile grow exceptionally well in the UK. If you desire a permanent groundcover, a fragrant lawn, or a perennial source of flowers, Roman Chamomile is likely the better choice. If your primary goal is to grow chamomile for making tea with a milder flavor and prefer an upright plant, then German Chamomile is ideal. Many UK gardeners successfully cultivate both for their unique attributes.

What are the ideal growing conditions for chamomile in the UK climate?

The ideal growing conditions for chamomile in the UK climate largely align with what these hardy plants naturally prefer: ample sunlight, well-draining soil, and moderate temperatures, all of which are common across much of the UK.

Here are the specific ideal growing conditions for chamomile in the UK:

1. Sunlight:

   • Full Sun is Best: Both Roman and German Chamomile thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This promotes the healthiest growth and the most abundant flowering.
   • Partial Shade Tolerance: While full sun is preferred, they can tolerate light partial shade, especially in hotter, drier parts of the UK (e.g., South East England during a heatwave) where some afternoon relief can be beneficial. However, in too much shade, they may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

2. Soil:

   • Well-Draining Soil (Crucial): This is paramount. Chamomile cannot tolerate soggy or waterlogged soil, which quickly leads to root rot. Good drainage is essential for healthy root development.
   • pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. This is typical for many UK garden soils.
   • Fertility: Does not require overly rich soil. It actually prefers moderately fertile to somewhat poor soil. Excessively rich soil can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers, and can make plants more prone to flopping, especially German Chamomile.
   • Texture: Tolerant of various soil textures (sandy, loamy, even light clay), as long as drainage is good.

3. Watering:

   • Moderate Moisture: Once established, chamomile is reasonably drought-tolerant, especially Roman Chamomile.
   • Initial Watering: Newly planted or seeded chamomile requires consistent moisture until established.
   • Deep but Infrequent: Water deeply when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, then allow it to dry out before watering again. Avoid constant shallow watering.
   • UK Rainfall: The UK's natural rainfall often provides sufficient moisture, but supplemental watering may be needed during dry spells.

4. Temperatures:

   • Temperate Climate: Both types of chamomile are well-suited to the UK's temperate climate.
   • Frost Hardy (Roman Chamomile): Roman Chamomile is a hardy perennial, tolerating UK winters well (USDA Zones 4-8).
   • **Cold Tolerance (German Chamomile):</strong German Chamomile is an annual but is quite cold-tolerant and can germinate early in spring, thriving through the UK summer. Its seeds also overwinter well.

5. Air Circulation:

   • Good air circulation around plants helps prevent fungal diseases, especially in the typically moist UK climate. Avoid overcrowding plants.

By ensuring these conditions – plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture – UK gardeners can expect robust and fragrant chamomile plants that are a delight to harvest.

When is the best time to plant chamomile seeds or plants in the UK?

The best time to plant chamomile seeds or plants in the UK depends on whether you're starting from seed or planting established young plants, and which type of chamomile you're growing. Generally, spring and early autumn are the most favorable periods.

Here's a breakdown by type and method:

1. Planting Chamomile Seeds:

• German Chamomile (Annual):
  • Direct Sowing Outdoors:
    • Early Spring (March-May): Once the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil has warmed slightly. German Chamomile is relatively hardy and can be sown early.
    • Late Summer/Early Autumn (August-September): Can also be sown in late summer or early autumn for germination before winter. These plants will overwinter as small seedlings and produce an early crop the following spring.
  • Indoor Sowing:
    • Late Winter (February-March): Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives them a head start and results in earlier blooms.
  • Self-Seeding: German Chamomile often self-seeds profusely in UK gardens, so once established, you may find new plants popping up naturally each spring.
• Roman Chamomile (Perennial):
  • Direct Sowing Outdoors:
    • Spring (April-May): After the last frost date, when the soil has warmed.
    • Early Autumn (September): Can be sown in early autumn to establish before winter.
  • Indoor Sowing:
    • Early Spring (March-April): Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.

2. Planting Established Chamomile Plants (Young Plants/Plugs):

• Both Roman and German Chamomile:
  • Spring (April-June): This is generally the ideal time. Plants have the entire spring and summer growing season to establish a strong root system before winter.
  • Early Autumn (September-October): Can also be planted in early autumn. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall reduce transplant shock, allowing roots to establish before the ground freezes. Ensure planting is done at least 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost to give roots time to take hold.

Summary Table: Best Planting Times for Chamomile in the UK

Always consider your specific local climate conditions within the UK (e.g., colder North vs. milder South) and the frost dates for your area. Providing consistent moisture after planting is crucial for all methods.

How do you harvest chamomile flowers for tea or other uses?

Harvesting chamomile flowers for tea or other uses is a simple and rewarding process that focuses on collecting the blooms at their peak, ensuring maximum fragrance and beneficial properties. Gentle handling and proper drying are key.

Here's how to harvest chamomile flowers:

1. Timing the Harvest:

   • Peak Bloom: The best time to harvest chamomile flowers is when they are fully open and fresh, usually a few days after they have first unfurled.
   • German Chamomile: The yellow central cone should be prominent, and the white petals should be fully extended.
   • Roman Chamomile: The white petals should be fully open.
   • Avoid: Don't harvest flowers that are still tightly closed buds or those that are starting to wilt or brown.
   • Time of Day: Harvest in the late morning, after the dew has dried but before the intense heat of the midday sun. This is when their essential oil content (and thus fragrance and potency) is generally highest.

2. How to Harvest:

   • Method 1: Pinching/Snapping (for individual flowers):
     • Simply pinch or snap off the flower heads with your fingers, leaving a very short stem attached (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch).
     • This is ideal for smaller harvests or when you want to be precise.
   • Method 2: Shearing (for larger harvests, especially German Chamomile):
     • For larger quantities, especially from bushy German Chamomile plants, you can use small, clean scissors or pruning shears to lightly shear off the top few inches of growth, collecting many flowers at once.
     • Caution: Try to minimize the amount of stem and leaves collected, as the flowers are the most potent part.
   • No Roots: Ensure you are only harvesting the flowers (and perhaps a very short stem), not pulling up the plant's roots.

3. Encourage More Blooms:

   • Regular harvesting actually encourages the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season. Chamomile is a prolific bloomer, so the more you pick, the more it will produce!

4. Preparation for Drying:

   • Do NOT Wash: Avoid washing freshly harvested flowers, as this can bruise them and reduce their essential oil content.
   • Spread Out: Immediately after harvesting, spread the flowers in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Good options include:
     • A fine mesh screen or drying rack (herb drying rack).
     • A clean paper towel or parchment paper.
     • A tray or basket.
   • Location: Place them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Direct sun can bleach the flowers and degrade their volatile oils. Good airflow is essential to prevent mold.

5. Drying Process:

   • Duration: Flowers will typically dry within 3-7 days, depending on humidity and airflow.
   • Test for Dryness: They are fully dry when the petals are crispy and the central cone is brittle and easily crumbles between your fingers.
   • Avoid Oven/Dehydrator (unless low temp): High heat can degrade the beneficial compounds. If using a food dehydrator, use the lowest temperature setting (below 100°F / 38°C).

6. Storage:

   • Once completely dry, store the chamomile flowers in an airtight container (e.g., glass jar) in a cool, dark place.
   • Label: Label with the date. Properly stored, dried chamomile can retain its potency for about 6-12 months.

By following these harvesting and drying techniques, you can ensure a steady supply of fragrant and potent chamomile flowers from your UK garden for making soothing teas or incorporating into other herbal preparations.

What is the traditional use of chamomile in herbal medicine and daily life?

Chamomile has a rich history in herbal medicine and daily life, traditionally revered for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. It is one of the most widely used and well-documented herbal remedies globally, especially in Europe, including the UK.

Here are its traditional uses:

1. Calming and Sedative Effects (Most Famous Use):

• Tea for Sleep: The most well-known traditional use is as a bedtime tea to promote relaxation and aid sleep. Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin, which are thought to have mild sedative effects.
• Anxiety and Stress Reduction: It's used to alleviate mild anxiety, nervous tension, and general stress. Many people drink chamomile tea during the day to stay calm without drowsiness.
• Mild Depression: Historically, it has been used as a gentle mood enhancer for mild depression.

2. Digestive Aid:

• Soothing Upset Stomachs: Chamomile tea is a popular remedy for various digestive complaints. It's known for its antispasmodic properties, which can help relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
• Relieves Indigestion: Used to ease indigestion, heartburn, gas, bloating, and nausea.
• Infant Colic: Traditionally given (in very dilute form, with caution and medical advice) to soothe colicky babies.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

• Internal Use: When consumed as a tea, chamomile's anti-inflammatory compounds (like chamazulene and bisabolol) can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Topical Use:
  • Skin Irritations: Infusions or poultices are traditionally used topically to soothe skin irritations, eczema, rashes, and minor burns.
  • Eye Irritations: Cooled chamomile tea bags or compresses are sometimes used to reduce puffiness, redness, or irritation around the eyes (e.g., conjunctivitis). (Use caution and only with sterile preparations, consult doctor for eye issues).
  • Mouth/Throat Sores: Used as a gargle or mouthwash for gum inflammation, mouth ulcers, or sore throats.

4. Wound Healing:

• Chamomile has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that traditionally supported minor wound healing. Compresses soaked in strong chamomile tea were applied to cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.

5. Menstrual Cramps:

• Its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a traditional remedy for easing menstrual cramps and discomfort.

6. Hair Care:

• Lightening/Brightening: Chamomile rinses are traditionally used to naturally lighten blonde hair or add golden highlights.
• Scalp Soothe: It can also soothe irritated or itchy scalps.

7. Aromatherapy:

• Chamomile essential oil (extracted from the flowers) is highly valued in aromatherapy for its calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Table: Traditional Uses of Chamomile

While chamomile is generally considered safe, it's a potent herb. Individuals with allergies to ragweed or other Asteraceae family plants should exercise caution, and pregnant/breastfeeding individuals or those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before regular use. For millennia, chamomile has been a gentle yet powerful ally for human well-being, earning its place in home apothecaries worldwide.