If you enjoy drinking chamomile tea and have some extra teabags lying around, why not try growing your own chamomile plant? Growing chamomile from a teabag is easy, cheap, and perfect for anyone looking to start a home garden without spending much. Chamomile is a lovely, fragrant herb that not only provides calming tea but also adds beauty to your garden. Here’s how you can grow chamomile from a teabag with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need:
- Chamomile tea bag (make sure it contains only chamomile flowers, no additives)
- Small pot with drainage holes
- Potting soil or garden soil
- Water
- Plastic wrap or a plastic bag (optional, for creating a greenhouse effect)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Grow Chamomile from a Teabag:
1. Prepare the Teabag
Start by cutting open a chamomile teabag. Chamomile tea contains dried chamomile flowers, which may still have seeds that are capable of growing. Carefully open the teabag and pour the contents into a small dish or directly into the soil.
Tip: It’s a good idea to check the ingredients on the tea bag to ensure it contains only chamomile and no added flavors or preservatives.
2. Prepare the Pot and Soil
Fill a small pot or container with well-draining potting soil. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from collecting and causing root rot. If you don’t have a pot, you can even use recycled containers like yogurt cups—just poke some holes at the bottom.
3. Sow the Chamomile
Sprinkle the contents of the teabag (dried chamomile flowers) evenly on top of the soil. Since chamomile seeds are very small, you don’t need to cover them with a thick layer of soil. Lightly press them into the soil with your fingers or sprinkle a very thin layer of soil over the top.
4. Water the Soil
Gently water the soil so that it’s moist but not overly saturated. Chamomile seeds need moisture to germinate, but too much water can drown the seeds. If the soil becomes too dry, lightly mist it with water from a spray bottle to keep it evenly moist.
5. Create a Greenhouse Effect (Optional)
To help the chamomile seeds germinate faster, you can create a mini greenhouse. Cover the pot loosely with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to retain moisture and warmth. Make sure to leave some space for air to circulate by poking a few small holes in the plastic.
6. Place the Pot in a Warm, Sunny Spot
Chamomile loves sunlight, so place the pot in a location where it can get plenty of indirect sunlight. A windowsill or a bright corner of your home is ideal. Chamomile seeds usually take about 1-2 weeks to germinate, so be patient!
7. Care for the Seedlings
Once the seedlings begin to sprout, remove the plastic covering (if you used one) and continue to water the soil lightly when it feels dry. Make sure the seedlings are still receiving plenty of sunlight. After the seedlings grow to a few inches tall and develop true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or into your garden if the weather permits.
8. Harvesting Your Chamomile
Chamomile typically takes 60-90 days to mature. Once your plant produces small white flowers with yellow centers, they are ready to be harvested. You can snip the flowers off and dry them to make your own chamomile tea, just like the tea bags you started with!
Tips for Growing Chamomile:
- Watering: Chamomile prefers slightly dry conditions, so water only when the top of the soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater.
- Light: Chamomile thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure your plant gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Temperature: Chamomile prefers cooler temperatures, between 60-70°F (15-21°C). If you live in a hot climate, consider giving it some afternoon shade.
Conclusion
Growing chamomile from a teabag is an easy and affordable way to start your own herbal garden at home. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of chamomile flowers and brew your very own homegrown chamomile tea. Give it a try, and in a few months, you’ll have a flourishing chamomile plant that will bring you relaxation and joy!
