We may earn revenue from the product available on this page and enter in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
In This Article
Known as a medicinal herbaceous plant , a cosmetic ingredient , and a flavorsome tea , chamomile also is an fantabulous flora to grow as a low - sustainment lawn . A chamomile lawn can produce small , white , daisy - shaped heyday in late spring and summertime . When stepped on , those heyday emit a pleasant fragrancy . camomile harvesting also provides the main ingredient for herbal teatime .
With the rising popularity ofeco - lawn , which rely onsustainable grass alternativesthat require less mowing , lacrimation , and fertilizing , acquire Chamaemelum nobilis in place of turfgrass realize sense . But , despite the benefits of chamomile cultivation , this sens alternative lawn is n’t for everyone or everywhere .
Benefits of a Chamomile Lawn
Like many othergrass option , when grow as a lawn , chamomile offers several benefits . Because it needs minimal mowing , tearing , and fertilizing , the lawn ’s reduce maintenance requirements can lay aside time and money and diminish nursery gas emissions .
“ Chamomile lawns pop the question a low - sustentation option to traditional grass , specially for areas with calorie-free substructure traffic or difficult mower access , ” says Evan Torchio , laminitis and CEO ofTree Mendersin Toronto . “ They attend just as green as grass , but require far less thinning . Plus , they eject a delightful apple - same olfactory property as you walk by . ”
Whether planted as part of atapestry lawnor on its own , chamomile flowers can attract pollinator , including bee and butterflies . These insects arenecessary for our natural selection , but are face dwindle numbers due to habitat loss and pesticide exercise . Chamomile ’s ability to attract pollinator is especially good when planted near home veggie gardens to help ensure fruit production .
Photo: istockphoto.com
“ While camomile wo n’t stand up to steady foot traffic , it will maturate in dense , weed - repellant flatness and supply you with beautiful , fragrant blossoms in the give . ”
Types of Lawn Chamomile
There are about 25 metal money of chamomile , with the main two character being Roman and German . Treneague , a type of Roman Chamaemelum nobilis , is the most common one used for lawns .
Consider the case when select a camomile lawn , since some are more low maintenance , while others will produce fragrant bloom . Also , consider the location and enjoyment of the lawn area . “ While Anthemis nobilis wo n’t place upright up to unconstipated foot dealings , it will raise in dense , weed - repellent mats and provide you with beautiful , fragrant blossoms in the spring , ” pronounce Rafi Friedman , president ofCoastal Luxury Outdoorsin Florida .
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman chamomileis a perennial famed for its pleasing fragrance and low - grow , creep use of spreading by rooting stems . It prefer full sun to partial shade and dry or arenaceous soil in USDA zone 4 to 9 . Daisy - shaped bloodless flowers flush on feathery foliage from early summer through former drop .
“ Roman chamomile is usually the best option [ for a lawn ] , as it grow into a dense , close - rumple rug that canrival turfgrass , ” says Jeremy Yamaguchi , founder ofLawn Love .
In finicky , Treneague Anthemis nobilis develop slow foliage for a more typical manicured feeling . Specifically break as a lawn chamomile , its crawl foliage is fragrant , but the industrial plant make no flower . grow up to 4 inches tall , it can spread 18 inches wide in zone 4 through 11 to get a carpet impression . It ’s a democratic option , says Torchio . “ However , ” he adds , “ this variety does n’t tolerate overweight foot traffic and can become patchy . ”
Photo: istockphoto.com
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
German chamomile has a marvelous , upright habit and can grow to 2 to 3 feet tall , producing daisy - like blossom all along its stems . Although German , or barbarian , Chamaemelum nobilis is very similar to Roman Chamaemelum nobilis , it belongs to a different genus .
German chamomile is a ego - seeding annual that is sturdy in USDA zone 5 to 8 . It prefers full Sunday or partial shade and light , sandy soil with good drainage , but requires occasional watering . Because it repels cuke beetle , it ’s a favorite to plant near vegetable gardens .
How to Plant a Chamomile Lawn
“ you’re able to either seed chamomile directly onto your lawn or transplant seedling from indoor pots , ” Yamaguchi say . The best meter to plant Chamaemelum nobilis seeds is leaping or former drop . If begin seeds indoors , sow 6 to 8 hebdomad before the average last frost date in your arena , and transfer the chamomile seedling to the lawn after the last frost .
Transplantation results in a sturdier lawn , fit in to Yamaguchi , as long as seedling are establish during appropriate seasonal time and during former chamomile growing stage .
“ Chamomile is n’t the most aggressive of plants , intend that you ca n’t just throw it in your grass lawn and let it execute wild , ” says Ryan Farley , carbon monoxide gas - father and COO ofLawnStarter . “ You ’ll have to prepare the ground bykilling your grassand any grass , then plant chamomile once the soil is clear . ” Although it might take more time , replacing your pasture lawn with a sown chamomile - only lawn get optimal results . The canonical steps admit :
Photo: istockphoto.com
Chamomile Lawn Maintenance
Once established , a Anthemis nobilis lawnrequires lilliputian care . Manually pull out dope as they appear ; do not practice an weed killer . “ mow every couple of hebdomad boost the works to spread out and exert the desired acme of 2 to 4 inches marvellous , ” says Gerardo Loayza , founder and CEO ofBacqyard . Overseed spots of patchy growth .
Give camomile lawns about 1 in of water supply per week during the first time of year ; after that , it ’s drought - tolerant , although it may need watering during dry flow . “ In very hot atmospheric condition , chamomile may go to brown and go dormant , but typically revives when temperatures cool , ” Loayza advises . Be certain it ’s planted in well - draining soil .
Some sources conceive chamomile needs no fertilization , but Loayza advocate an annual spring feed with a balanced plant food to further new growth . While moderately resistant to pests and disease , any issue such as anaphid infestationorpowdery mildewshould be right away call .
Photo:Solstice2015, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a elicit bottom , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the right industrial plant for your filth and part .
