Guide to growing garden Chamomile - Anthemis, Dog fennel, Golden marguerite
The hardy perennial Anthemis typically flowers from summer until the autumn.
Description of Chamomile
Anthemis are upright plants that typically grow to between 15 centimetres and 90 centimetres in height. Chamomile have daisy like flowers of white or yellow, and green or silver scented leaves. They make ideal border plants and can also be used in rockeries and in dry stone walls. The flowers of chamomile have many health benefits, and are often drank as a tea. The chamomile tea drink is made from Matricaria.
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| George F. Russell @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database Smithsonian Institution, Dept. of Systematic Biology, Botany. |
How to grow Chamomile, dog fennel
It is best to sow Anthemis seeds on the soil surface, with a spacing of between 30 centimetres and 60 centimetres. Chamomile should be sown out in either early spring or early autumn. Chamomile / dog fennel / Golden marguerite prefers to be grown in full sunlight, but is able to grow in lightly shaded areas. The soil type is not that important, but should be well drained and slightly limey. When starting chamomile off from seed indoors, it generally takes around eight to fifteen days to germinate, ideally seeds should be planted eight to ten weeks before planting out in the early spring when a there is still a chance of a light frost or in the early autumn.
Caring for Chamomile
Chamomile is easy to care for, however the plants are susceptible to mildew; this can be avoided by planting in an area where air can circulate. If plants are tall it may be necessary to stake plants during periods of heavy rainfall and high winds. It is important to divide the plants every three years or so to eliminate deterioration of plants.
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