| I'd like to grow chamomile for making tea. Can you give me information on growing it indoor as well as outdoors, and how to make tea? |
| As you probably already know, there are 2 kinds of chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile). Roman Chamomile is a low-growing perennial which is traditionally planted along paths. It's strong distinctive apple scent fills the air when trampled. The German Chamomile is an annual herb, taller growing than the Roman, and more delicately scented. This is the chamomile most often chosen for teas. According to Rosalind Creasy in "The Edible Flower Garden" the flower heads may be used fresh or dried for herbal teas. Although the seeds are easily started indoors, growing the plant indoors may be a bit more difficult as it prefers full sun. It may be best to grow it outside and use fresh flowers for tea in the summer, and dried flowers for winter tea. |
