Self seeding annuals are a gift to gardeners that just keeps on giving. German chamomile certainly is one such self seeding. Somewhere along the way, perhaps in a wildflower mix, I picked some German chamomile seeds. It was not a plant I was familiar with when it began growing here about five or six years ago but I am most familiar with it now and like it very much.
Generally when you look for information on growing German chamomile you will find it prefers a sandy soil in full sun. Perhaps so, but here in my garden German chamomile grows in heavy clay, an old wheebarrow (Pictured), leaf mulch, and in mostly shade. Surprisingly the chamomile does well and it is a delight not only when it blooms but in the fall and winter when it begins sprouting in the garden.
German chamomile is an herb that is useful for treating a number of ailments. I have not personally used this plant as an herb but only enjoy mine growing in the garden. Additionally, in the right conditions I am sure German chamomile could become a pesky self seeding annual.Here in my garden it has never been a nuisance.
I have never physically planted a plant of German chamomile but I am always aware of where it is in my garden. It grows in spots where it thinks it will look great and I let it be. Soon after flowering this German chamomile will set more seeds and go dormant. But I know come fall I'll have some sweet new plants to look forward to enjoying....
in the garden....
Another favorite self seeding annual is the old fashioned Love in a mist.
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden
Hi Tina, I also love self seeding annuals but German chamomile didn't work for me. Maybe it wasn't German, I once tried to get a chamomnile lawn but the climate was wrong. Love in the mist come and go each year though. lovely photos, interesting the way the petals look down and the yellow centre looks up flauntingly. cheers, catmint
ReplyDeleteI do this plant and daisies confused. Are they kin?
ReplyDeleteGerman chamomile is pretty. I like self seeders in certain areas. They paint their own picture each year. I'm not familiar with this one though. I am familiar with the love-in-a-mist you say is next!
ReplyDeleteI am happy when you said that it grows well in clay soil. I waited for the seeds to sprout for weeks but it did not make an appearance.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! It looks great. Might be kind of neat mixed in with some coneflowers or salvias.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I love self-sowing plants that are easy to remove when they show up in unwanted places.
ReplyDeleteI started a few chamomile plants in the garden but Richard thought they were weeds! I have the same trouble convincing him that marigold foliage isn't a weed!
Good Morning All.
ReplyDeleteTina that is a lovely plant. I like the blooms. Isn't it supposed to be a calmer/restful type herb? I must check to see if it will survive here.
Love those old wheelbarrows for utensils for planting plants. I use to have one.
Good morning all! It's a beautiful day to garden after the rain last night-the sun shines. You know what I'll be doing-yahoo!
ReplyDeleteCatmint, I never really noticed the reflexed petals but they sure are lovely. This lovely needs to be seeded in the fall for spring bloom and sometimes I think it takes two years for a bloom. But fall is key on them. Very easy once you get them going.
Darla, Daisies and chamomile are both in the Asteracae family which is a HUGE family. So they must be cousins or somethings. They are sweet too.
GSS, I must've gotten the seeds in a wildflower mix somewhere. The foliage comes up in the fall and is easily recognizable. I did a post on it and other foliage for fall seedlings once. Their blooms are so welcomed. These are not as vigorous as the love in a mist. At least not in my part shade garden.
MKG, Look outside now and maybe you might see a small green plant with ferny fine foliage. If so it could be chamomile. I think the seeds can sprout years after sowing. Now to not pull them thinking they are weeds!
Dave, It goes with everything here. You just can't beat this easy annual.
Cameron, Where would be without self seeders? It would be a sad garden place indeed. I like them all-like you said-as long as you can easily remove them. I've been removing cleomes from my brick walkway in the veggie garden. They are easy though. I love those too. Actually, off hand I can't think of a self sower I don't like. Most are easy to remove aren't they? Take that back. 4 O'clocks can be difficult to remove.
Lola, Yes! Chamomile has tons of medicinal properties and many folks make a chamomile tea. I've not tried it but really should soon.
ReplyDeleteAh, you just answered my question about tea. I drink it in the cold winter months. Very soothing and relaxing to my soul. The blooms look like sweet daisy to me with their smiling faces....
ReplyDeleteSend us some rain. I refuse to plant anything more in the gardens until we receive some decent rain fall. The yard is bone dry and I fear loosing some things recently planted. Sigh.....
Sounds and looks like a keeper to me. I have put wildflower seeds in and then the next year had a perennial stick around for future years like cone flowers and different daisies. Love it!! Annuals would not make it thru our winters here.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blooms. Looks like daisy or coneflowers. I love it.
ReplyDeleteChamomile tea is excellent for late evening relaxing and drifting off to sleep. It has a most delicious, flowery taste.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheery flower. How great that it comes back for you year after year. :)
ReplyDeleteTina, I love self-seeding plants of all kinds because they always seem to know exactly where to place themselves for best effect. Carolyn
ReplyDeleteI love self seeders too Tina. Any plant that will grow under all those different conditions is a keeper in my books. Very pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you posted this, Tina--I have a packet of chamomile seeds I've been meaning to plant. Now I know I should probably plant it somewhere where it can spread as well. I used to drink chamomile tea every morning, but it's a taste you have to acquire:)
ReplyDeleteI need to get this plant started in my garden. Such a charmer!
ReplyDelete