Roman Chamomile [Anthemis nobilis]

The perennial roman chamomile is a fast-growing aromatic, tea and medicinal plant that grows like a carpet and covers the ground. It is hardy and drought tolerant. Snails avoid this herb. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The roman chamomile or carpet chamomile is a perennial ground-covering aromatic, tea and medicinal plant that originates from the Caucasus region, southeastern Europe and Iran. The robust species is fast-growing and spreads over the ground in the first year after planting like a cushion. It grows wild in sunny mountain meadows or on poor, stony to rocky soils. The plants are hardy and drought-tolerant and can be planted in paving and slab joints. The evergreen leaves, which are divided into two very fine pinnates, have an intense fruity aroma. Snails avoid this herb, which makes it particularly suitable as a protective border to keep snails away from beds. The many small daisy-like flowers bloom for a very long time and attract many insects. The plants contain more nutrients than conventional animal feed and support the animals' digestion.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 20 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter, forming runners
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus

pH value: 5.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 5-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to October is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Roman chamomile ideally prefers a soil that is moderately nutrient-rich, dry to moist and permeable, containing sand, clay and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The species avoids calcareous soils. The carpet chamomile can be divided every three to five years, the best time to do so is before or after flowering in spring or autumn. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to additionally incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Cutting the herb back after flowering promotes more compact growth. Regular watering promotes faster growth. Runners can be cut off with a spade. Fertilizing with plant manure in spring promotes flowering.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Anthemis nobilis
English names: Roman Chamomile
German names: Duftkamille, Teppichkamillle, Römische Kamille
Portuguese names: Camomila romana
Spanish names: Manzanilla romana
French names: Camomille romaine

 Origin 
Country: Portugal