Alchimiaweb.com presents Rocalba Camomile Seeds, a mildly aromatic medicinal plant perfect for infusions. It can be easily cultivated both in open ground and pots or planters.
Rocalba camomile, easy to cultivate in rich soil and warm conditions
Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and the temperate zones of Asia, although it is now also found in some areas of Australia and America.
It can grow up to 25cm high producing several upright and firm stems. It produces alternating leaves with small leaflets with a structure reminiscent of pine leaves. In summer it develops radial flowers with white petals and a yellow button at the end of the stems.
The seeds should be germinated in spring in a seedbed or directly in open ground using a lightly textured substrate rich in worm humus, compost or manure. A thin layer of seeds is spread over the soil surface and stirred lightly to distribute them evenly without burying them much.
Rocalba camomile, for infusions with a calming and digestive effect
Once the seeds have been sown, the substrate is watered and placed in a place with indirect light and a good temperature between 15º and 25ºC. The substrate must be controlled so that it does not dry out or become waterlogged, as this could asphyxiate the delicate roots in the initial period.
The first seedlings start to sprout in about 2-3 weeks. Around 40 days after sowing, when the plant exhibits two pairs of real leaves and is about 10 cm high, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or in open ground. A distance of 20cm should be left between plants and 30cm between rows or furrows. The most common pests that can affect camomile are thrips and aphids, although they can be treated with organic phytosanitary products.
The camomile flowers are ready to be picked once they emerge, about 2 or 3 months after germination. We can also use the leaves and stems. It is consumed as an infusion providing benefits such as its calming, digestive, anti-rheumatic and anti-neuralgic effects among others.
Rocalba Camomile Seeds info:
- Sachet: 1g seeds
- Perfect for open ground and pot cultivation
- Germination: Spring
- Directly on open ground or in a seedbed
- Planting frame: 30cm x 20cm
- Up to 25cm
- Adapts well to sun and shade
- Requires a warm climate, between 15-30ºC
- Requires fresh, rich and drained soil
- Frequent but moderate irrigation
- In summer the flowers are harvested as they mature
- The whole plant can be cut when it is full of flowers