German Chamomile is a Hardy Annual.

It completes its life cycle in one season. It is distinct from Roman Chamomile (*Chamaemelum nobile*), which is a perennial ground cover. German Chamomile produces more flowers and has a sweeter flavour, making it the superior choice for harvesting.

The "Apple" Scent: The name *Chamomile* comes from the Greek for "Ground Apple" (*khamaimelon*), referring to the sweet, fruity scent released when you brush against the foliage.

Chamomile seeds are tiny (like dust), so handle with care!

Germination:
Sow directly outdoors in Autumn (Sept) or Spring (March-May). Scatter the tiny seeds onto the surface of raked soil. Do not cover them; they need light to germinate. Press them gently into the soil. Germination takes 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It needs full sun to flower well. It tolerates poor, sandy soil but hates heavy, waterlogged clay. It looks beautiful growing in the cracks of paving or at the front of a vegetable bed.

Care While Growing:
It is drought tolerant once established. If you don't harvest all the flowers, let some go to seed—it will drop seeds and grow back naturally next year (the "free plants" method).

Chamomile is known as the "Physician of the Garden" because it is thought to improve the health of plants growing nearby:

• 🥬 Brassicas (Kale & Cabbage): The Pest Confuser. The strong scent of chamomile can help mask the smell of cabbages, confusing Cabbage White butterflies and reducing caterpillar damage.
• 🥒 Cucumbers: The Health Booster. Companion planting lore suggests that chamomile improves the flavour of cucumbers and helps prevent fungal diseases due to its anti-fungal properties.

Sow outdoors in spring or autumn. Harvest flowers all summer.