How Chamomile is propagated
How Chamomile is propagated
Common chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family and native to Southeast Asia. This plant has spread all over the world and in Italy it is common in uncultivated places, especially in the inhabited areas, from the plain to about 800 meters.
Chamomile is a plant that can propagate both by seed and by division of tufts. Obviously, depending on the technique adopted, the period of implementation of the operation changes.
If you want to propagate chamomile by seed, it is necessary to collect at the end of flowering the flowered and now dry tops and let them dry completely in a cool and airy place, then separating the flower heads from the stems and store in a dry place away from light. It is also advisable to choose a cold place in the house or a warehouse to ensure that the seed goes through the vernalization phase.
Propagation by seed –
To carry out the propagation of chamomile by seed, remember that this operation must be carried out in spring in full earth, in sunny places, on a light and sandy substratum. However, it should be remembered that where the plants are present, dissemination occurs naturally.
In sowing the most used technique is broadcasting: in this case it is advisable to mix the chamomile seeds with sand, spreading everything on the field. There is no need to cover the seeds, it is enough to pass a rake or a steamroller over the cultivated area.
Before sowing it is recommended to remove the weeds.
Remember that as soon as the seeds detect a minimum of humidity and heat in the soil, they germinate in about 15 days. When the plants reach 5 cm centimeters in height, eliminate the weaker ones. The remaining plants should be about 20 cm away from each other. In fact, in full bloom, chamomile reaches 50 cm in height and spreads out into many branches full of flowers.
The recommended sowing period is from July to February depending on the latitude, and therefore the climatic conditions, in which you live. If you operate in a colder area, it is better to anticipate sowing in September. In theory, chamomile could also be sown in early spring but in this case, the final yield will be lower.
Propagation by division of tufts –
As previously mentioned, the common chamomile can also be propagated by division of the tufts.
This is a technique used mainly for herbaceous plants,
To divide the tufts you have to wait for the period of vegetative rest, then after the flowers have fallen.
At this point the plant is extracted from the ground and the individual tufts of the plant are looked for. the operation must be carried out by releasing the tufts trying not to break the roots or damage them as little as possible.
At this point, each head is transplanted to a different point in the field, so that it forms an independent plant. Immediately after planting the head, it is good to lightly tamp the earth around and irrigate immediately.
For the details of the cultivation technique, please refer to the indications contained in the following sheet.