Camomile. C13

This cheerful plant can add beauty to a garden and has sedative qualities. There are two types of chamomile. The first is Roman chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ) and the other is German chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ). The Roman variety is the true chamomile. 

It is a creeping plant that grows in a mat-like growth. It has small daisy-like flowers with yellow centres and white petals. The leaves are feathery. It is a perennial plant.

The best time to plant chamomile is spring from seed or seedlings.

It is easier to establish chamomile in your garden from plants or divisions than from seed, but growing chamomile from seed is also relatively easy. Chamomile grows best in cool conditions and should be planted in partial shade, but will also grow in full sun. The soil should be dry.

Once your chamomile is established, it needs very little care. Like most hardy plants, chamomile grows best when not cared for. Too much fertiliser will result in a lot of weak-tasting foliage and fewer flowers. Chamomile is drought tolerant and only needs to be watered in times of prolonged drought.

For the most part, chamomile is not affected by many pests. It is often recommended as a companion plant for planting in the vegetable garden, as its strong scent keeps pests away. That said, a chamomile plant weakened by lack of water or other problems can be attacked by aphids, scale insects or thrips.