You should still be able to see the seeds through their covering.
You can keep the seeds covered with a loose sheet of plastic wrap if you’re concerned that the soil isn’t staying moist enough. The plastic will trap the moisture. Leave space for air circulation, and be sure to remove the plastic entirely as soon as you see any sign of green. [7] X Research source
Do this only when the weather cooperates. If the temperature drops or rises suddenly or there are strong winds, keep the plants inside to protect them. Gentle breezes, however, are good for the little guys. Alter the plants’ sun exposure as you go, giving them less and less shade over the course of the two weeks. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this time. Keep the plants indoors at night while hardening them off.
Water the plantings about an hour before you transplant them. Then gently mist them once they’re in the ground. Make the holes deep enough so the base of the leaves is at soil level.
German chamomile is technically an annual, which means it needs to be replanted each year. However, it self-seeds, so you don’t need to do the replanting! This means it actually acts like a perennial plant.
If you want to raise the quality of the soil, mix a slow-release fertilizer with the soil before you sow seeds.
In the United States and Europe, you should be safe to plant by mid-May or June. Warmer states in the southern half of the U. S. may be able to start earlier, depending on the weather. If you’re in the southern hemisphere planting in someplace like Sydney, Australia, the last frost should occur in early August. [17] X Research source
You should still be able to see the seeds under their light covering of soil.
While perennial plants can be put in any time of year, they do best when started in early autumn or late spring. Annuals should always be planted during these times. The ideal planting time varies depending on your location, but you should generally stick to a season when the weather is turning and getting either warmer or colder. Avoid planting in extreme heat or cold.
If you’re getting lots of rain, you may be able to reduce your watering. Especially if it’s hot out, however, check the soil even if it’s rainy.
While chamomile may attract bees and butterflies, it’s usually pest free beyond that. You shouldn’t need to worry about pesticides. [24] X Research source
Snip the flowers at the base of their individual stems. You can then trim the stems down to the base of the blooms for drying. [28] X Research source
You can make tea with fresh flowers as well, although dried blooms work better. Double the amount you use. Add some honey to make this bitter-tasting tea sweeter.
To prevent a fungal infection in saplings, spray a weak chamomile tea over them a few times a week. Spray them in the morning so that they can dry in the sun. Fungal infections are a common issue for saplings. To aid in seed germination, soak the seeds in a weak chamomile tea for 8 to 12 hours before you plant them. To use chamomile tea as an insecticide, make a triple strength tea by using more tea bags and allowing your tea to steep for 24 hours. You can then spray your chamomile tea onto your plants to prevent pests. If you spray chamomile tea onto your plants, it will act as a natural deterrent because of its strong scent.
