Growing chamomile hydroponically is very simple. And, I’m going to tell you all you need to know to do it successfully.
Chamomile is an amazing herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
Before we jump into the steps to grow chamomile hydroponically, let’s do a quick review of the benefits of chamomile.
Benefits of Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
It’s a popular ingredient in teas, creams, and other natural remedies due to its numerous health benefits.
People love chamomile for the following reasons:
1. Promotes Sleep
Chamomile is commonly used as a natural sleep aid due to its calming effects. Drinking chamomile tea before bed can help you fall asleep faster and allow you to wake up feeling more refreshed.
The herb also contains apigenin. Apigenin is a compound that binds to certain receptors in the brain and promotes relaxation.
2. Soothes Digestive Issues
Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. The herb contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the gut and soothe stomach discomfort.
Did you know drinking chamomile tea after a meal can help with digestion and prevent digestive issues? Pretty amazing!
3. Reduces Inflammation
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This makes it a useful natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis, skin irritations, and other inflammatory conditions.
4. Boosts Immunity
Chamomile contains compounds that can help boost the immune system which helps the body fight off infections and diseases. Drinking chamomile tea regularly can help keep your immune system strong and healthy.
5. Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Chamomile has calming effects that can help reduce stress and anxiety. The herb can also help with symptoms of depression, such as irritability and mood swings.
6. Soothes Skin Irritations
Chamomile has been used for centuries to soothe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis. Applying chamomile cream or oil to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
Growing Chamomile Hydroponically
Growing chamomile in hydroponics is quite easy. Here are the primary steps:
1. Choose the Right Variety: There are two main types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile.
German chamomile is the more commonly used variety and is easier to grow hydroponically. This is what I use.
You can find seeds online or at your local garden center or big box store.
2. Choose Your Hydroponic System: Chamomile grows well in a variety of hydroponic systems, such as ebb and flow or deep water culture (DWC).
If you are a novice at hydroponics, consider one of the simpler methods like Kratky, Wick, or DWC. You can even grow Chamomile in a pre-built countertop system like an AeroGarden!
I’ve grown in both DWC and an AeroGarden Harvest.
I much prefer DWC for its effectiveness, but honestly AeroGarden is so easy and also works well.
2. Choose the Growing Medium: You’ll need to consider what growing medium to use.
For hydroponic chamomile, you can use something like rockwool, perlite, or coconut coir. These mediums provide support for plant roots while retaining moisture.
My personal preference is to use rockwool cubes and/or clay pellets.
If you are using a countertop system like the AeroGarden of iDOO, obviously you will use the seed pod.
3. Germinate the Chamomile Seeds: Start chamomile seeds indoors in a seedling tray or paper towel.
I’m a big proponent of starting seeds on a damp paper towel for my Deep Water Culture (DWC) grows.
You can learn more about DWC in this helpful guide on the different hydroponic methods.
I’ll just start the seeds in my AeroGarden seeds pods when I’m using that method.
Once the seedlings have a few leaves, transplant them into the hydroponic system. Make sure to cover the roots with the growing medium.
4. Provide Adequate Light: Like all plants grown hydroponically, chamomile needs plenty of light to grow well. If growing outdoors, place your hydroponic system in full sun.
If growing indoors, use LED lighting for 12-14 hours per day. This is the standard indoor lighting requirement for most herbs.
I keep my indoor garden lights on for 14 hours per day.
5. Maintain Nutrient and pH Levels: Chamomile needs a balanced nutrient solution to grow properly.
Purchase hydroponic nutrients, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing them into the water reservoir.
Proper pH is also important. This plant will do fine in a nutrient solution with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5.
Check the pH and nutrient levels regularly to ensure they are within the proper range.
6. Harvest the Chamomile: Chamomile can be harvested once the flowers are fully open.
This should take around 8-10 weeks depending on your hydro growing conditions.
Harvest the flowers by gently pulling them off the stems. Dry the flowers before use by laying them out on a towel in a well-ventilated area. Let them dry for a few days until the flowers are brittle.
Note – Chamomile is a versatile herb with many potential health benefits. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before using chamomile for any medical purposes.
That’s really all there is to growing chamomile hydroponically! Give it a shot, and I think you’ll be satisfied with the results.
Once you’ve mastered chamomile, be sure to try okra, too! We’ve put together a similar guide to growing Okra hydroponically.
Happy growing!
