Chamomile - Chamaemelum nobile (Anthemis nobilis)

Chamomile



Other Names: Camel, Camil, Cammany, Camomine, Camovyne.


Description
A fragrant plant, the yellow or white daisy-shaped flowers often give a pungent smell of ground apples. It has deeply cut, bright green leaves and a fine stem. The roots creep along the ground, spreading the plant outwards. The height and spread depends on the variety. e.g.

Common Chamomile (A. nobilis)
Height 6-9 inches (15-23cm), spread 12-15 inches (30-38cm).
Dyer's Chamomile (A. tinctoria)
Height 1-3ft (30-91cm), spread 12 inches (30cm) approx. It thrives by the sea.


Cultivation
Site: Likes full sun and light, well drained soil.
Propagation: Sow all except 'Treneague' variety in spring. For perennials, divide spring or autumn. Take 3inch (8cm) cuttings from side shoots in summer. Plant in groups, or in herbaceous borders.
* Common chamomile creates a good lawn or seat. Plant 4-6" (10-15cm) apart.
* German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) should be planted 9" (23cm) apart.
* Dyer's chamomile should be planted 18" (45cm) apart.
General Care: Mulch in late spring. Support in windy areas with pea sticks. Dead head regularly if not harvesting flowers. Prune back flowering stem to ground level in autumn to promote growth the following year.
Harvest: Pick leaves at any time. Pick flowers once open (Best in morning once dew has gone).


Relationships:
An ill plant placed next to chamomile will be much aided, but once it is well again remove it or the reverse will be true. Repels flies and midges.

Warning:
1)Do not use when pregnant! 2)When fresh, the plant may cause skin irritations in more sensitive individuals.


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