Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) forms a light, airy mound of finely divided feathery foliage topped with masses of small daisy-like flowers, with golden cone-shaped centres and clean white rays. The plants have a sweet, apple-like fragrance that intensifies in warm weather, making them especially attractive along paths and near seating areas. Although classed as a half-hardy annual, it will often self-seed to create a soft, naturalistic drift of blooms from early summer onwards.

Growing conditions: Grown in our Co. Clare nursery, this German Chamomile is well adapted to the cool, changeable Irish climate. It prefers full sun and a free-draining, moderately fertile soil; heavy, waterlogged ground will reduce flowering. In wetter parts of Ireland, planting on a slight mound or raised bed helps keep the roots from sitting in cold, standing water. As a half-hardy annual it tolerates light spring chills, but is best sown or planted out after the risk of hard frost has passed for reliable flowering.

Traditional & herbal uses: Today German Chamomile is widely used by herbalists and household herbal enthusiasts as a gentle nervine and digestive support, often taken as an evening tea to ease stress, restlessness and mild digestive discomfort after meals. The flower heads are also commonly used in infusions and compresses to soothe irritated skin and eyes, and in steam inhalations to support the upper respiratory tract. It is a versatile, mild herb that fits easily into modern home apothecaries for relaxation and general comfort.

Maintenance & harvesting: In Irish gardens, regular picking of the flower heads encourages a long succession of blooms, so it is worth harvesting little and often once the centres turn fully golden. Plants appreciate consistent but not excessive watering in dry spells, especially on lighter soils, and a light hoeing or hand-weed around young plants helps them establish a dense flowering carpet. At the end of the season allow a few flower heads to ripen fully if you would like the plants to self-seed for the following year; otherwise, cut back and compost spent growth once flowering has finished.