Stinking Chamomile

Choosing Stinking Chamomile Seeds or Plants: Stinking Chamomile, despite its strong smell, is a hardy plant that grows well in many conditions. You can start with either seeds or small plants from a garden center. If you're a beginner, I recommend starting with small plants because they’re easier to handle and establish quickly.

When to Plant: This plant loves cooler weather, so the best time to plant it is in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Avoid planting during extreme heat or frost periods.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Stinking Chamomile seeds or young plants
• A pot (if growing indoors) or a patch of garden soil
• Regular garden soil
• Watering can
• Sunny or partially shaded location

Tip: If you're planting in pots, make sure they have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil.
3. Gently water the soil, keeping it moist but not too wet.
4. Place the pot in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
5. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot that’s slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
3. Fill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the base of the plant.
4. Water thoroughly.

Spacing Tip: If you’re planting multiple chamomile plants, space them about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Sunlight Requirements: Stinking Chamomile prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.

Watering Method:

• Keep the soil slightly moist but don’t overwater—this plant doesn’t like soggy roots.
• Water every 2-3 days, depending on how dry the soil feels.
• During hot weather, check the soil more frequently to ensure it doesn’t dry out completely.

Fertilizing Tips:

• This plant doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you want to give it a boost, use a light dose of general-purpose fertilizer once a month.
• Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth rather than flowers, so keep it minimal.

Supporting Your Plants:

• Stinking Chamomile generally grows low to the ground, so it doesn’t need stakes or supports.
• However, if you notice the plant spreading too much, you can trim it back to maintain a tidy appearance.

Pruning:

• Trim off any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth.
• After flowering, you can cut back the plant to encourage another bloom cycle.

When to Harvest: You can harvest Stinking Chamomile flowers when they are fully open, usually during late spring to early summer. The flowers have a strong aroma, so be prepared for that!

How to Harvest:

• Use scissors or your fingers to snip off the flower heads.
• Be gentle to avoid damaging the rest of the plant.
• You can also collect the leaves, but remember that this plant is more ornamental and less commonly used for culinary purposes due to its strong smell.

Storage:

• Fresh flowers can be used immediately or dried for later use.
• To dry, hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
• Once dried, store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

Tip: Even though it's called "stinking," some gardeners use the dried flowers in potpourri or as a natural insect repellent.

Q: Why does my Stinking Chamomile have a strong smell?

A: That’s just its natural scent! While it might not be the most pleasant smell to us, it helps repel certain pests, making it a useful plant in the garden.

Q: Can Stinking Chamomile grow in poor soil?

A: Yes, it’s quite hardy and can tolerate poor soil conditions. However, it will grow better if the soil is well-draining and slightly fertile.

Q: My plant looks leggy, what should I do?

A: Prune it back! Trimming the plant will encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Q: Is Stinking Chamomile invasive?

A: It can spread if left unchecked, especially in favorable conditions. Regular pruning will help control its growth.

Q: Can I grow Stinking Chamomile indoors?

A: Yes, you can grow it indoors as long as it gets enough sunlight. Place it near a sunny window or under grow lights.