Camomile Flower Farming in India

Chamomile farming is a rewarding agricultural practice due to its demand in the herbal tea and essential oil industries. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for cultivating chamomile

I love growing chamomile. My chamomile plants sit in my backyard herb and flower garden nestled next to my patio where I have my swing and rocking chairs. The tall plant adds height next to the sprawling mint that I can’t seem to contain no matter how hard I try, and the delicate flowers smell so wonderful when we brush against them.

Speaking of, do you enjoy a cup of hot chamomile tea before you head to bed? Then you need to try it fresh out of the garden. Dried tea is delicious, but fresh flowers give the tea a sweet, floral, apple flavor that you can only get straight off the plant.

1. Selection of Variety

• German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): An annual variety, widely grown for herbal tea and essential oils.

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): A perennial variety, used for landscaping and medicinal purposes.

2. Climate and Soil Requirements

Climate:

Thrives in a temperate climate, with ideal temperatures ranging from 15–30°C.

Requires full sunlight but tolerates partial shade.

Soil

Prefers well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil.

Ideal pH: 6–7.5.

Avoid waterlogged soils.

3. Land Preparation

Plow the land 2–3 times to make it fine, loose, and well-leveled.

Incorporate 10–15 tons of well-decomposed organic manure (e.g., compost or farmyard manure) per acre.

4. Propagation

Chamomile can be propagated by seeds or transplants

Direct Sowing

Mix tiny chamomile seeds with sand for even sowing.

Sow seeds shallowly (1 cm deep) in prepared beds or rows.

Nursery and Transplantation:

Sow seeds in a nursery bed; germination occurs within 7–14 days.

Transplant seedlings (4–6 weeks old) when they reach a height of 5–7 cm.

5. Planting and Spacing

Northern India: Plant in October–November.

Tropical regions: Plant in early winter (cool season).

Spacing: Maintain 20–30 cm between rows and 10–15 cm between plants.

6. Irrigation

Keep the soil moist, especially during the germination and flowering stages.

Water every 7–10 days, depending on the soil type and weather conditions.

Avoid over-irrigation, as it can lead to root rot.

7. Fertilizer Management

Apply organic fertilizers like compost or vermicompost during land preparation.

During the growth phase, use nitrogen-based fertilizers sparingly to promote healthy foliage and flowering.

8. Weed and Pest Management

Weeding: Perform manual or mechanical weeding at regular intervals to reduce competition.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests: Aphids, thrips, and spider mites.

Use neem oil or organic pesticides to manage infestations.

Avoid waterlogging to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot.

9. Flowering and Harvesting

Flowers are ready for harvest 2–3 months after planting, depending on the variety.

Harvesting Method

Pick flowers when they are fully bloomed and the petals are fresh.

Harvest in the early morning for the best essential oil content.

Flowers can be picked every 10–15 days during the blooming season.

10. Post-Harvest Processing

Drying

Dry flowers in the shade or a solar dryer at 40–50°C to retain color and essential oils.

Ensure proper airflow during drying.

Storage: Store dried flowers in airtight containers, in a cool, dry place, to prevent moisture and fungal growth.

11. Yield and Income

Yield: On average, 200–300 kg of dried flowers per acre.

Market Demand

Dried chamomile is sold to herbal tea and pharmaceutical industries.

Essential oils extracted from chamomile have high market value.

12. Essential Oil Extraction (Optional)

Use steam distillation to extract essential oil from dried flowers.

On average, 1–1.5 liters of oil per 100 kg of dried flowers can be obtained.

Key Tips for Success

1. Regularly monitor soil moisture and temperature.
2. Rotate crops to prevent soil exhaustion and reduce pest risks.
3. Focus on organic farming practices to enhance product quality and market value.