Facts about Matricaria chamomilla
Taste:
Aromatic, slightly sweet-floral
Germination:
7 - 14 days (light germinator)
Growth to harvest:
8 - 10 weeks
Nitrogen requirement:
medium
pH range:
6.0 - 7.5 compatible plants
EC range:
1.0 - 1.8 compatible fish
Size:
20 - 50 cm
Cultivation
Soaking seeds:
Not necessary (light germinator)
Saturating medium:
Lightly moisten, do not waterlog
Growing medium:
- Coconut fiber
- Peat-free herb soil
- Hydroponic substrates (perlite, rockwool)
- Peat-free herb soil
- Hydroponic substrates (perlite, rockwool)
Light:
Full sun to partial shade, high light requirement
Germination temperature:
18 - 22° C
Watering:
Moderately moist, sensitive to waterlogging
Preferred system:
Nutritional values per 100g (flowers, dried)
Calories
1 kcal (infusion)
Essential oils
0.4 - 1.5 %
Flavonoids
up to 2 %
Coumarin derivatives
trace amounts
Bitter compounds
0.3 - 0.5 %
Medicinal Plant
Recognized application: Relief of gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation in the mouth and throat, skin and mucous membrane irritations.
Active compounds: Essential oil (including bisabolol, chamazulene), flavonoids, coumarins, mucilages
Dosage: Pour 150ml hot water over 2-3g dried flowers, steep for 5-10 minutes, several times daily
Special notes: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) must be distinguished from false chamomile (Anthemis arvensis).
Sources: Commission E Monograph (BfArM), HMPC Monograph EMA/HMPC/234184/2010, German Pharmacopoeia (DAB). Note: This information does not replace medical consultation. For complaints, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important cultivation notes
- Only use fresh, certified seeds (light germinators, do not cover with soil)
- Avoid waterlogging – sensitive to root rot
- Adequate ventilation to prevent fungal infections
- Do not confuse with false chamomile (different active compounds, allergenic potential)
Cultivation steps
- Do not soak seeds – light germinators should only be scattered on moist substrate
- Do not cover with soil, only press lightly
- Place in warm and bright location (18-22°C), keep evenly moist
- Germination after 7-14 days
- After development of 3-4 leaves, transplant into hydroponic system (NFT or drip)
- Regular nutrient solution monitoring (EC 1.0-1.8, pH 6.0-7.5)
- Harvest flower heads from approx. 8 weeks, multiple harvests possible during flowering period
Context:
ID: 748
