Omari Gates
Chamomile lawns have been popular since Tudor times, when walking on them released a lemony fragrance and was seen as a sign of prosperity. However, growing a chamomile lawn in Australia has proven challenging, as chamomile struggles with the country's harsh climate. CALM-O-MILE™ chamomilla is a new variety that can handle Australia's tough conditions, including frost, heat, and humidity. It grows flat with flowers above the foliage, making it ideal for use around pavers or stepping stones. For those wishing to grow a traditional chamomile lawn, the English variety, Chamaemelum nobile, is recommended for its low-growing, creeping habit. This variety does not grow true from seed, so young plants must be purchased. It is important to ensure the area is weed-free and has sandy loam soil, as chamomile dislikes wet feet in winter and hard, dry soils in summer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variety | CALM-O-MILE™, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague', Chamaemelum nobile dwarf, Matricicaria chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile |
| Height | 5-10 cm, 15 cm, 30 cm, 31-61 cm, 90 cm |
| Maintenance | No regular mowing, fertilizing, or edging. Requires deadheading to avoid patchiness. |
| Soil | Sandy loam soil is ideal. Chamomile dislikes wet winters and hard, dry summers. |
| Foot traffic | Low foot traffic recommended. Stepping stones can be added to protect the lawn. |
| Uses | Medicinal, cosmetic, decorative, herbal tea. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chamomile variety
When choosing a chamomile variety, it's important to consider the specific conditions of your garden and the desired characteristics of your lawn. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right chamomile variety for your space:
- Climate and Weather Conditions: Chamomile generally prefers full sun to light shade and performs well in sandy, free-draining soils. However, in warmer climates like Australia, it's advisable to provide semi-shade during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid planting in extreme weather conditions, as they can negatively impact germination and growth.
- Traffic and Accessibility: Chamomile lawns are best suited for areas with light foot traffic. If you intend to walk on your lawn frequently, consider adding stepping stones or pavers to protect the chamomile and provide access. Any pedestrian movement, especially in the first year, can make the lawn patchy.
- Flowering Preference: Decide whether you prefer a flowering or non-flowering chamomile variety. The variety 'Chamaemelum nobile 'Dwarf'' is a good choice if you want a flowering lawn. It grows to a height of around 15 cm, but it requires deadheading to prevent the lawn from becoming patchy. On the other hand, 'Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague'' is a non-flowering variety that forms a dense, fragrant mat and is ideal for small lawn areas.
- Soil Type: Chamomile thrives in sandy loam soil as it dislikes wet conditions in winter and hard, dry soils in summer. Ensure the planting area is weed-free, as chamomile doesn't compete well with other plants. If your soil is too heavy or clay-like, you can mix in some organics or sand to improve drainage.
- Fragrance and Pest Resistance: Chamomile is known for its pleasant fragrance, which is released when the leaves are bruised. The fragrance can also act as a natural pest repellent, as its strong flavour discourages insects. Calm-o-mile™ Matricaria, for example, has an extremely strong flavour that helps reduce insect damage.
- Growth Habit: Some chamomile varieties, like 'Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague''' are creeping varieties that grow low to the ground and knit together to form a dense mat. This growth habit makes them excellent for weed suppression and erosion control. If you're looking for a ground-hugging variety, Calm-o-mile™ Matricaria is a good choice as it spreads horizontally and repairs itself from wear damage.
By considering these factors, you can select the most suitable chamomile variety for your specific needs and create a beautiful and functional chamomile lawn in your Australian garden.
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Preparing the soil
When preparing the soil to grow chamomile in Australia, it's important to remember that chamomile dislikes wet feet in winter and hard, dry soils in summer. An ideal soil type is sandy loam. If you're growing chamomile from seeds, start them in punnets before transplanting them to form your lawn. Make sure the area is weed-free as chamomile doesn't fare well with competition.
If you're going to walk on your chamomile lawn regularly, consider adding stepping stones to protect it from damage. Chamomile can also be grown in an existing lawn, but the grass will eventually outcompete the chamomile. If you intend to grow chamomile in an existing lawn with grass, mow the area on a high setting to encourage the chamomile to spread sideways.
If you're looking for a chamomile variety that can handle Australia's tough conditions, consider CALM-O-MILE™. This variety can handle frost, heat, humidity, and Australia's harsh climate better than regular chamomile. It hugs the ground closely, repairing itself from wear damage and providing a true lawn alternative that doesn't need regular mowing.
For a dense, non-flowering chamomile lawn, the recommended variety is Chamaemelum nobile Treneague, which only grows up to 6-10 cm in height. On the other hand, if you prefer a flowering chamomile lawn, the recommended variety is Chamaemelum nobile dwarf.
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Planting and feeding
When planting chamomile, it's important to ensure that the area is weed-free as chamomile does not fare well against competition. The ideal soil for chamomile is sandy loam as it does not enjoy wet winters or dry summers. Regular watering is recommended, and it is best to avoid foot traffic in the first year.
The most suitable variety for creating a chamomile lawn in Australia is CALM-O-MILE™ chamomilla, which can handle frost, heat, humidity, and Australia's harsh conditions better than regular chamomile. This variety hugs the ground closely and spreads well from rhizomes, repairing itself from wear damage. For a flowering chamomile lawn, the recommended variety is Chamaemelum nobile dwarf. If you intend to walk on your lawn regularly, it is advisable to add stepping stones to protect the chamomile and enable you to enjoy the space without causing damage.
To establish a dense chamomile lawn, it is best to use non-flowering varieties such as Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague', which only grows to a height of 6-10 cm and forms a dense, weed-suppressant mat of fragrant foliage. The German variety, Matricicaria chamomile, is taller, growing between 31 and 61 cm, and is often used around beds or in gardens. The English variety, Chamaemelum nobile, is a low-growing, creeping variety that is ideal for creating a chamomile lawn.
When feeding your chamomile lawn, it is essential to provide nutrients to promote growth and maintain the health of the plants. Feed your chamomile lawn every one to two weeks with liquid plant food. After flowering, mowing or trimming is recommended. If your chamomile lawn starts to thin out, a light prune and fertiliser should help to restore it to a dense ground cover.
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Maintenance and mowing
Chamomile is a low-maintenance lawn alternative that does not require regular mowing, fertilising, or edging. It is ideal for areas with difficult lawn mower access and low foot traffic. However, if you intend to walk on your lawn regularly, consider adding stepping stones to protect the chamomile and enable you to enjoy the space without damaging it. Lightly bruising the leaves is encouraged, as it releases a pleasant fragrance.
If you choose to grow chamomile as a lawn substitute, you can encourage the plants to spread sideways by mowing the area on a high setting. The German variety, Matricicaria chamomile, grows between 1 and 2 feet (31-61 cm) tall and is commonly used around beds or in gardens. For a non-flowering chamomile lawn, the choice plant is Chamaemelum nobile Treneague, which grows to a maximum height of 6-10 cm and never needs mowing. For a flowering chamomile lawn, the recommended variety is Chamaemelum nobile dwarf.
If your lawn starts to thin out, a light prune and fertiliser should help the plants recover and spread once again. If only odd parts thin out, cuttings or new plants can be installed to cover the ground. CALM-O-MILE™ is a chamomile variety specifically bred for Australia's tough conditions, including heat, humidity, and frost. It can handle minor walking and repairs itself from wear damage, making it an excellent lawn alternative that does not require regular mowing.
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Using stepping stones
If you're looking to grow a chamomile lawn in Australia, you may want to consider using stepping stones. Chamomile is a low-maintenance plant that typically doesn't require pruning, but it is sensitive to compaction and cannot handle much foot traffic. To enjoy your chamomile lawn without damaging it, incorporating stepping stones or walkways can help minimise traffic and protect it from heavy wear.
When planting chamomile among stepping stones, it is recommended to plant it slightly below grade, rather than at soil level, in a well-drained substrate. This allows people to step over the plants without stepping on them. Regular foot traffic, rambunctious dogs, or wheeled items can leave marks on your chamomile lawn, so stepping stones can help to distribute weight more evenly and reduce the risk of compaction.
In addition to protecting your chamomile, stepping stones can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. You can use bricks, natural stones, or wooden borders to frame your chamomile lawn and create visually appealing pathways. The contrast between the soft, fragrant greenery of chamomile and the structure of stepping stones can make for a unique and enchanting garden feature.
When choosing a variety of chamomile, consider Calm-o-mile™ Matricaria, which has been specifically bred for Australia's tough conditions. It grows more horizontally than other varieties, hugging the ground closely, and can handle frost, heat, and humidity better than regular chamomile. With its ability to repair itself from wear damage, Calm-o-mile™ is an excellent choice for a chamomile lawn that can withstand light to moderate foot traffic.
By following these steps and considering the placement of stepping stones, you can create a beautiful and functional chamomile lawn that will be a serene and aromatic addition to your outdoor space. Remember to give your chamomile lawn a little care during its establishment, and you'll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
CALM-O-MILE™ Matricaria is a chamomile variety bred specifically for Australian conditions. It can handle frost, heat, humidity, and Australia's harsh climate better than regular chamomile. It also has a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
A sandy loam soil is ideal for chamomile as it doesn't like wet soil in winter or hard, dry soil in summer. Avoid planting chamomile on clay soil, as it will bake in summer and retain too much moisture in winter.
Chamomile grows best in full sun to light shade. In warmer climates, it prefers a semi-shaded position during the hottest parts of the day. Aim for at least 3 hours of full sun each day. Avoid full sun areas that are regularly exposed to high winds.
Prepare the planting area by clearing it of grass, weeds, and debris. Sow chamomile seeds directly into the garden bed or a pot, covering them lightly with a seed-raising mix. Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Once the seedlings reach 5 cm, add a light layer of organic mulch and feed every 1-2 weeks with liquid plant food. Water regularly, especially during the growing season, and avoid foot traffic in the first year.
A chamomile lawn provides a fragrant, low-maintenance alternative to a traditional grass lawn in Australia. It gives off a pleasant scent when walked on, has medicinal properties, and can help to reduce weed invasion. Chamomile lawns also require less mowing than grass lawns, making them a more sustainable option.
