The real chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the oldest and most frequently used medicinal plants. The annual, herbaceous plant thrives almost everywhere and occurs both in the Mediterranean climate of North Africa and in the northern German lowlands; This widespread plant can even be found in Australia. Of course, chamomile can also be grown in the home garden.
Which location does chamomile prefer?
The optimal choice of location for chamomile is a sunny, warm and protected place with loose, permeable, calcareous soil. A slightly acidic to alkaline pH between 6.5 and 8 is ideal for plant growth.
Sunny and warm
The soil can be barren and stony, but chamomile will still thrive there - provided it is in a sunny, warm and protected place. In nature they can be found on roadsides, on field edges, in fields, meadows and fallow areas, on rubble heaps, etc. In the garden, planting as a border is ideal, especially in mixed cultures with brassicas, potatoes, onions and leeks as well as radishes and nasturtiums.
The optimal substrate
Chamomile doesn't place too high demands on the soil; the substrate should just be loose, permeable and calcareous. The plant thrives best in soils with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH value in the range between 6.5 and 8.
Tips & Tricks
You should only plant plants that like or at least tolerate calcareous soil near chamomile.