Chamomile seeds «Pearl of the forest steppe»

Chamomile «Pearl of the forest steppe» / Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla

An annual herbaceous plant. The stem is erect, branched, 50-90 cm high. Medium-sized (1.5-2 cm in diameter) baskets with 12-18 white reed flowers located at the ends of the main stems and side shoots.

The flowering period stretches from May to September. Seeds begin to germinate at 4-6°C, but the optimum temperature is 20-25°C. Under favorable conditions, a rosette of leaves is formed 20-30 days after germination. The growing season is very short: 50-70 days pass from seed germination to flowering. Each basket blooms for 8-10 days. The full development cycle takes place within 3-4 months.

Both winter and spring plants can develop. Before winter, a rosette of leaves is formed, and in this state the plants hibernate, and bloom in early May. Chamomile should be sown in early April or late August-early September. On one linear meter, 20-30 plants are left, and after wintering - 15-20. The highest yields of chamomile are obtained on fertile soils. Row spacing is 45-60 cm, sowing depth is not more than 0.5 cm, sowing rate is 30 g/area.

During the growing season, chamomile is harvested 3-5 times. Harvesting is started at the beginning of flowering, until the receptacle of the inflorescence has acquired a conical shape and the white marginal reed flowers have not dropped.

Chamomile is recognized in almost all countries of the world. Chamomile flowers contain essential oil. The flowers of the plant contain flavonoids, coumarins, sitosterol, choline, carotene, ascorbic acid, isovaleric and other organic acids and polysaccharides. Chamomile preparations have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative and some analgesic effects, increase bile secretion, have a pronounced antiulcer effect, stimulate the processes of tissue regeneration and healing.

Infusion of chamomile flowers when taken orally increases the secretion of the digestive glands, has a choleretic effect, reduces fermentation processes, and relieves intestinal spasms. Chamomile essential oil somewhat intensifies and deepens breathing, speeds up the rhythm of heart contractions, and dilates the vessels of the brain.

In perfumery, chamomile flowers are used in the manufacture of nourishing creams, lotions and shampoos.