Chamomile Flower Seeds | Chamomile Tea Flower Seed | Babune Ka Phool | Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile Flower Farming Overview

Chamomile is a medicinal herb cultivated primarily for its flowers, which are used to make tea, essential oils, and skincare products. There are two common varieties:

• German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – an annual plant, more widely cultivated for commercial purposes.
• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) – a perennial plant with a stronger fragrance.

Growing Requirements:

• Climate: Prefers a temperate climate; thrives in spring and early summer.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 18°C to 25°C.

Cultivation Steps:

1. Land Preparation: Plow and level the field to create fine tilth.
2. Sowing:
   • Sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings.
   • Spacing: Maintain 15-20 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows.
3. Watering: Requires moderate watering; avoid waterlogging.
4. Fertilizer: Apply organic compost or farmyard manure during soil preparation. Minimal chemical fertilizers are recommended.
5. Weeding: Regular weeding is essential for healthy growth.

Harvesting:

• Flowers are harvested when fully open, typically 2 to 3 months after planting.
• Harvesting is done manually or mechanically.

Yield and Post-Harvest:

• Average yield: 400-500 kg/acre of dried flowers.
• Flowers are dried in the shade to preserve color and essential oils.

Economic Potential:

Chamomile farming is profitable due to the growing demand in the tea, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Organic cultivation can further increase profitability.