If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through the herbal tea aisle or perusing essential oils, you’ve probably encountered chamomile.
But did you know there are actually two main types of chamomile that often spark curiosity and debate?
Meet German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile—two botanical cousins with distinct characteristics and benefits. While they both share that lovely, soothing aroma and a knack for promoting relaxation, they each have unique qualities that might make one a better fit for your needs than the other.
In this article, I’ll explore the differences between these two herbal powerhouses, from their origins and appearance to their uses and benefits.
So, grab a cup of your favorite chamomile tea and join us on a journey through the delightful world of chamomile!
German Chamomile
Native:
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is native to Europe and Western Asia. It’s been cherished for centuries for its medicinal properties and is widely cultivated around the world today.
How does it look:
German Chamomile is an annual plant that features delicate, feathery leaves and small, daisy-like flowers with white petals surrounding a yellow cone. Its flowers are slightly larger than those of Roman Chamomile and have a more upright growth habit.
Time of blooming:
German Chamomile typically blooms from late spring to early summer. The blooming period can extend through the summer months if conditions are favorable.
Size:
This variety of chamomile usually grows to about 15 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) tall. Its upright stems and bushy growth make it quite distinct in appearance.
How to grow and care:
- German Chamomile prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in well-draining, sandy soils.
- Plant the seeds in early spring, either directly in the ground or started indoors and transplanted.
- Water regularly, but avoid over-watering. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.
Fertilizer:
- German Chamomile, known for its robust growth, benefits from a moderate amount of nutrients.
- When fertilizing German Chamomile, consider a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of approximately 10-10-10.
- Apply this fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients may lead to overly lush foliage instead of promoting healthy flower production.
Uses:
- German Chamomile is widely used in herbal teas, known for its calming effects and mild sedative properties.
- It is also used in essential oils, skincare products, and as a mild anti-inflammatory.
- Its soothing properties make it a popular choice for treating digestive issues and promoting sleep.
Insider advice:
- Generally considered safe for consumption, German Chamomile can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities.
- People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, may also experience allergic reactions.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before using it medicinally, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Roman Chamomile
Native:
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is native to Western Europe and North Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and gardens for its fragrant and attractive flowers.
How does it look:
Roman Chamomile is a perennial plant with finely divided, evergreen leaves that are slightly fuzzy. Its flowers resemble small daisies, with white petals and a yellow center, but they grow closer to the ground compared to German Chamomile.
Time of blooming:
Roman Chamomile blooms from early summer to early autumn, providing a longer flowering period. Its blooms are known for their strong, apple-like fragrance.
Size:
This variety is more compact, typically reaching about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in height. It spreads horizontally, making it an excellent ground cover or edging plant.
How to grow and care:
- Roman Chamomile thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
- It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or division.
- Plant in spring or fall, water regularly, and trim back after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
- It can also tolerate light foot traffic, making it suitable for pathways.
Uses:
- Roman Chamomile is commonly used in herbal teas, valued for its relaxing properties.
- It’s also popular in aromatherapy, skincare, and hair care products due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Its essential oil is often used to relieve stress and anxiety.
Fertilizer:
- Roman Chamomile, with its low-growing and spreading habit, prefers a lighter touch when it comes to fertilization.
- Opt for a gentle, balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of around 5-5-5 or similar.
- Apply the fertilizer sparingly in early spring, just as new growth starts, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Too much fertilizer can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of the plant’s charming daisy-like flowers, so moderation is key.
Insider advice:
- Roman Chamomile is generally safe for most people, including being considered non-toxic to pets.
- However, similar to German Chamomile, individuals allergic to the Asteraceae family should exercise caution.
- As with any herbal remedy, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How to harvest and store chamomile flowers for tea or other uses
- To harvest chamomile flowers, pick them when they are fully open, ideally in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Gently snip the flowers just below the heads.
- To store, dry the flowers by spreading them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area.
- Once completely dry, store them in an airtight container away from light and moisture to preserve their quality for tea or other uses.
Final takeaway!
Both German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile offer unique benefits and uses. Whether you prefer the taller, soothing German variety or the compact, fragrant Roman type, both are wonderful additions to any herbal repertoire, providing natural remedies and delightful aromas.
I’ve addressed all your concerns about german chamomile and roman chamomile. If you’re curious about other cool farming methods or the best veggies and herbs for your home garden, check out my other articles in the related post section below or the recent post section at the top-right.
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FAQs
Which type of chamomile is easier to grow for a beginner?
For beginners, German Chamomile is generally easier to grow. It is more adaptable to various soil types, grows quickly from seed, and requires less maintenance. Its hardy nature makes it a great choice for novice gardeners looking for a rewarding and low-effort herbal plant.
Can I grow both types of chamomile in the same garden bed?
Yes, you can grow both German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile in the same garden bed. Ensure they have well-draining soil and receive adequate sunlight. While they have different growth habits, with German Chamomile growing taller and Roman Chamomile spreading horizontally, they can complement each other nicely in a mixed planting.
Which chamomile is most medicinal?
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is considered more medicinal due to its higher content of beneficial compounds like chamazulene and bisabolol. It is widely used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and calming properties, making it effective for digestive issues, anxiety, and skin conditions.
Which type of chamomile is best for tea?
German chamomile is preferred for tea due to its sweeter taste and higher medicinal properties. It provides a soothing and calming effect, making it ideal for relaxation and aiding sleep. Its mild flavor and pleasant aroma make it a popular choice for herbal teas.
Misty S is the founder and lead writer at GrowOrganicGreens.com, a comprehensive gardening resource dedicated to helping people cultivate beautiful and sustainable gardens. She has a Master’s degree in Economics and specialized studies in agricultural economics, horticulture, and soil science. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience, Misty shares practical gardening tips on soil preparation, organic manure composting, fertilizers, plant care, and indoor gardening, making her advice accessible and helpful to gardeners of all levels.
Despite having an high-demanding 9-5 job, Misty dedicates her personal time to researching and exploring various gardening topics. Her keen interest in gardening has grown into a passion, driving her to help new gardeners and anyone interested in starting their gardening journey.
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