For the third (or so) seed-growing season in a row, I've been nearly 90% unsuccessful with chamomile seeds. This year, I had some really cute seedlings growing up, and I kept the soil moist, under fluorescent lights for 12 (or so) hours of the day.
The other seeds in pots in the same general area are doing alright. Anybody have any idea what I can do differently so I can grow these? I'm interested in using the flowers for herbal tea - that is, if I can get the seeds to grow.
Thanks,
Jennifer
oh drat
AngelS - Chamomile really is a weed. You'll get your best plants sowing outdoors directly in the garden. I'm pretty sure the seeds need light to germinate so just surface sow and water in. They can be planted before your last frost - the cold temps don't bother them a bit. If you're afraid to sow them direct try the coke bottle method I posted on the propagation forum, and leave them right outside. The plants will be sturdier than starting under lights and you won't have to fuss with them.
poppysue - thanks, but I can't plant them outside. There is no 'outside' near my apartment.
Thanks anyways,
-Jennifer
OoooOOoo. You want to grow them indoors like a house plant? It takes a lot of chamomile flowers to make a pot of tea. The flowers are tiny and you'd need a few plants to harvest them. If you have a big window it may be possible. The plants might get leggy and not look to pretty but I bet they'd put out a few flowers. Keep them on the dry side and don't fertilize them. They like abuse.