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Chamomile lawns offer a unique blend of beauty and functionality, creating serene and fragrant garden spaces. Ideal for areas with light foot traffic or challenging mower access, chamomile, particularly the Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’ variety, serves as an excellent ground cover alternative to traditional grass.
Key Takeaways:
- Chamomile Types: Choose between Roman and German chamomile for your lawn.
- Planting: Best planted in spring with well-draining soil and full sunlight.
- Care: Requires minimal care once established, with drought tolerance and low maintenance.
- Propagation: Can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
- Varieties: Several chamomile varieties suit different garden needs.
How to Grow Chamomile
Chamomile, a member of the daisy family, comes mainly in two types: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Roman chamomile is a perennial, creeping plant known for its fragrant foliage and is best suited for lawns. In contrast, German chamomile is an annual and grows taller, making it less ideal for ground cover but great for harvesting flowers for tea.
Soil and Climate for Chamomile:
- Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil.
- Climate: Thrives in temperate climates, hardy to -20°F.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun or light shade.
Where to Grow Chamomile
Chamomile lawns work best in sunny areas with light foot traffic. They can also be a charming addition to spaces where mowing is challenging.
Ideal Garden Locations:
- Sunny Spots: Full sun is essential for thriving chamomile.
- Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil, ideally sandy loam.
How to Plant Chamomile
Planting chamomile requires a bit of preparation to ensure a lush, fragrant lawn. The best times for planting are in the early fall or spring.
Preparing the Soil:
- Remove weeds and level the soil.
- Amend heavy soil with sand and compost for better drainage.
Planting Techniques:
- Seeds: Sow in spring or fall, lightly tamping the seeds into the soil.
- Spacing: Plant seeds or seedlings about 7 inches apart.
Chamomile Planting Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Soil Preparation | Remove weeds, amend with sand/compost |
| Planting Time | Early fall or spring |
| Seed Sowing | Surface sow, tamp lightly |
| Seedling Spacing | Approx. 7 inches apart |
| Watering | 1 inch per week, less once established |
| Sunlight Requirement | Full sun or light shade |
Caring for Your Chamomile Lawn
Once your chamomile lawn is established, it requires minimal care but there are key practices to ensure its health and vitality.
Watering Chamomile:
- Newly planted chamomile requires about 1 inch of water per week.
- Established plants are drought tolerant and need less frequent watering.
Mowing and Foot Traffic:
- Avoid walking on new chamomile lawns for 12-13 weeks.
- Once established, chamomile tolerates light foot traffic.
- Mow early in spring for lush growth. For non-flowering varieties, use shears for upkeep.
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How to Propagate Chamomile
Propagation is essential for expanding your chamomile lawn or replacing older plants.
Propagation Methods:
- Seeds: Collect from mature plants.
- Stem Cuttings: Take 4-inch stem cuttings with foliage but no flowers.
Propagation Steps:
- Plant seeds or place stem cuttings in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly and provide ample sunlight.
- Transplant seedlings or rooted cuttings to the desired location.
Chamomile Lawn Care Table
| Maintenance Aspect | Recommendations |
| Watering | 1 inch/week initially, less for mature plants |
| Foot Traffic | Minimal for the first 12-13 weeks |
| Mowing | Early spring for lush growth |
| Propagation | Seeds or stem cuttings |
Growing Chamomile: Problem Solving
Even the hardiest plants can encounter issues. Here’s how to manage common problems in chamomile lawns.
Common Pests and Diseases:
- Aphids: Small insects that can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Treat with neem oil or manual removal.
Prevention and Control:
- Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or disease.
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs for aphids.
Chamomile Pest Management Table
| Pest/Disease | Identification | Treatment |
| Aphids | Small insects on the underside of leaves | Insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | White, cotton-like lumps on stems and leaves | Neem oil, manual removal |
Varieties of Chamomile to Grow
Choosing the right variety can impact the success and appearance of your lawn.
Popular Varieties:
- Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): Perennial, ideal for lawns.
- German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Annual, taller, used for tea.
