Next time you’re a little upset or on edge, experiment with some chamomile tea. Its delicate flavor can begin the soothing process, and when the chemical compounds within the tea take hold, you will feel so much better.

When you are ready to pick-up your chamomile, you will find 2 main types. They are similar in function, but not in appearance, so be sure you’re getting the right chamomile for your needs.

You can try German chamomile for many different things ranging from teas to lotions. The combination of this herb’s woody, apple smell and daisy-like appearance can brighten any room.

A nice benefit of German chamomile is that it is self-seeding, which is wonderful since it is an annual and this way you don’t have to replant it every year. You can even collect the seeds to try somewhere else in your garden or give some to a friend.

It’ll do best in full or direct light and dry conditions. German chamomile herbs grow straight up, which is different than how Roman chamomile grows, and can reach a height of almost 3 feet.

To propagate German chamomile, start with seeds in a container indoors or sprinkle the seeds on the ground. Regardless of whether you plant the seeds inside or outside, you don’t need to cover them because they are so little. Keep the sod moist, but not wet, and if you are cultivating your German chamomile in pots, wait until your seedlings are at least 4 inches high before you transplant them. The very best way to increase your harvest is to plant more seeds every four weeks during the growing season. German chamomile produces only a few flowers, so the more you grow the better.

I haven’t seen the variety of German chamomile that is double-flowered, but I am sure it is brilliant.

Roman chamomile, which is frequently called “true chamomile” or “English chamomile” is also nice in teas to ease nervous tension. English chamomile has the same woody, apple-like smell of the German chamomile, but it is special in that it is a creeper or ground cover rather than a bushy herb.

This plant can only grow to about 10 inches high as it creeps along the ground. In the summer, the Roman chamomile will get a little taller and sprout little white blossoms with yellow centers that are similar to the German chamomile, but more pungent.

The natural oil from the Roman chamomile is used to lighten or soften your hair. A few kinds are even used to flavor sherry.

It does not do as well if started from seeds, so it is best if you pick-up it or begin with a division from a friend’s plant.

Fortunately Roman chamomile is drought tolerant and able to thrive for long periods of time without water, for those of you who forget this necessary task.

Believe it or not, even though these 2 herbs look alike, taste alike and have the same name, according to the scientists, they aren’t related at all.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Tea Herb Gardening. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.