Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) is not just a relaxing plant for cosy evenings! It is also a true ally in the garden. This herbaceous plant with daisy-like flowers, well-known for its medicinal properties, also has many benefits for your crops. Whether in the form of an infusion or a maceration, chamomile helps strengthen your plants, prevents certain diseases, and promotes a healthier garden. Discover in this tutorial how to make a homemade chamomile infusion or maceration to boost your plants and prevent diseases.
Chamomile, a natural ally in the vegetable garden
Chamomile, sometimes called German chamomile, wild chamomile, small chamomile, true chamomile, or truncated chamomile, is an aromatic, ornamental, and medicinal perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. Its botanical name is actually matricaria, from the genus Matricaria. This aromatic plant has been used across civilisations, from ancient Egypt to Rome, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming, emollient, febrifuge, and stomachic properties.
The most common varieties include Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis), also known as "noble chamomile" or "official chamomile," which is a perennial species; German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla), or "wild chamomile," "small chamomile," or "true chamomile," which is an annual species with tiny flower heads; and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), from which essential oil is extracted.
The plant forms delicate low bushes, 10 to 30 cm tall, dotted in summer with white daisy-like flowers with yellow centres. Chamomile is an easy-to-grow plant that will find its place in any garden. Undemanding, it thrives particularly in sandy soils. Planted in the vegetable garden, it attracts hoverflies and lacewings, valuable allies whose larvae feast on aphids. Thus, it helps protect crops naturally and ecologically.
Benefits and properties of chamomile in the garden
A true ally for gardeners, chamomile offers much more than just summer flowering. In addition to attracting pollinating insects, its antifungal properties make it a natural barrier against certain common plant diseases. It is also a natural stimulant. Its compounds strengthen the growth of young plants and have an anti-stress effect on plants, reducing the shock of repotting. Chamomile contains active compounds very useful in the garden. Its flowers are said to concentrate sulphur, calcium, and potassium, which are beneficial for strengthening plant health and preventing certain fungal diseases such as mildew or powdery mildew. Its essential oil is said to be rich in chamazulene and sesquiterpenes, known for their antifungal, insect-repellent, and anti-stress properties for our plants. Flavonoids and other antioxidant principles complete this natural synergy and promote growth, stimulate flowering, and help plants resist external aggressions. In infusion or maceration, chamomile releases these elements to nourish the soil, repel pests, and strengthen crops ecologically. Chamomile acts as a protective shield, promoting the health and vigour of your crops.
Infusion vs maceration: what's the difference and how to use them?
Using chamomile in the garden can be done in two main ways: infusion or maceration.
Infusion, made with hot water, allows for quick extraction of active principles and is particularly suitable for emergency treatments. Chamomile infusion sprayed on plants promotes disease prevention, naturally stimulates growth, and serves as a shock treatment after repotting.
Maceration, slower and at room temperature, offers a gentler and more gradual extraction, ideal for long-term treatment or to activate compost life. The choice between these two methods depends on the goal and the nature of the problem to be treated.
Both can be used as sprays in the garden, with infusion also suitable for watering.
In summary :
- Chamomile Infusion
- Principle: Extraction of active principles using heat.
- Use: Disease prevention, growth stimulation, care for seedlings and young plants.
- Quick action: Ideal as a shock treatment after repotting or as a preventive spray.
2. Chamomile Maceration
- Principle: Slow extraction at room temperature.
- Use: Long-term treatment, compost activation, gentle plant protection.
- Gentler and gradual action: Perfect as an insecticide and for long-term plant strengthening.
When and how to harvest chamomile?
From June to September, when the flower heads are fully open and emit their characteristic fragrance. Harvest chamomile flowers on a sunny day to benefit from concentrated essential oils. Gently pick the flower heads by hand and let them dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area.
Step-by-step recipe: Making a Chamomile Infusion
Materials needed:
- Dried or fresh chamomile flowers
- A clean, airtight glass jar
- Rainwater or non-calcareous mineral water
- A coffee filter or muslin cloth
- A saucepan
Ingredients:
- 100 g of dried chamomile flowers (or fresh) for 1 litre of rainwater or non-chlorinated water
Preparation :
- Bring water to a simmer
- Place the chamomile flowers in the saucepan
- Let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain
- Let cool before use.
- Store in the refrigerator for a few days
Step-by-step recipe: Making a chamomile maceration
Materials needed:
- Organic dried or fresh chamomile flowers
- A clean, airtight glass jar or container
- 250 ml of rainwater or non-calcareous mineral water
- A coffee filter or muslin cloth
Ingredients:
- 100 g of fresh chamomile flowers or 50 g of organic dried flowers (the quantity depends on the intended use, but generally, a good balance is to fill about one-third of the jar with flowers.)
- 1 litre of rainwater or non-chlorinated water
Preparation:
- If using fresh flowers, clean them thoroughly. If using dried flowers, ensure they are well-preserved and free from mould.
- Fill the bottom of the container with chamomile flowers.
- Cover the flowers with water. The water should be at room temperature. The liquid must completely cover the plants.
- When filling the jar, lightly press the plants to help release their active principles.
- Seal the container tightly and let macerate for at least 24 hours, preferably in a dark place at room temperature. The longer the maceration time, the more concentrated the extract will be.
- After maceration, strain the liquid using a coffee filter or muslin cloth to remove plant residues.
- Store in a dark place at room temperature.
- Shake the mixture daily for better extraction of active principles.
Uses in the garden
Chamomile infusion: a natural booster
Chamomile infusion is a natural tonic. It is used as a spray or for watering during sensitive phases such as sowing, transplanting, or early growth. It is ideal for:
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