9 Best Chamomile Companion Plants To Grow In Your Garden

Are you hoping to grow large, plump vegetables in your garden? Chamomile helps improve the growth of nearby plants, and if you haven’t considered adding it to your garden, I hope I can change your mind.

Chamomile is a powerhouse plant. It helps you relax, and it fights off harmful bugs, making it a wonderful plant for your garden.

In this article, I’ll share how chamomile companion plants can improve your garden, which plants are the best, and more importantly, which ones you should avoid.

Key Takeaways

• Chamomile is a versatile companion plant that enhances the growth, flavor, and health of nearby plants in your garden.
• Chamomile helps keep harmful pests away and improves the flavor of other plants. Some of the best chamomile companion plants are brassicas, cucumbers, tomatoes, fruit trees, mint, beans, squash, and basil.
• Don’t plant carrots, parsnips, or parsley close to chamomile because they cause it to not grow as well.
• Chamomile releases chemicals into the soil and possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help nearby plants.

Understanding Chamomile: German and Roman Varieties

Diving into the world of chamomile plants, you’ll encounter two primary varieties: German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile.

Each variety holds unique characteristics that make them advantageous for different gardening purposes.

The German version is a taller plant, reaching heights up to 24 inches, with apple-scented flowers adorning its green shrub form.

This variety is an annual plant that loves full sun and well-drained soil while thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

On the other end, we have Roman chamomile, a perennial low-grower frequently employed as a ground cover or even as a lawn replacement due to its lush growth habit.

It flourishes across multiple zones thanks to its hardy nature and offers delightful daisy-like flowers throughout the summer months.

It’s beautiful at ankle level, which gardeners prefer for less vertical gardens or rockeries!

Using chamomile plants effectively in your garden starts with understanding the key differences between German and Roman varieties.

The Benefits of Chamomile As A Companion Plant

Chamomile also plays a significant role in the garden ecosystem. One major benefit of chamomile plants is how their vivid, daisy-like white and yellow blossoms attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, wasps, hoverflies, and bees that aid in pollination.

They also deter pests like spider mites, cabbage loopers, aphids, and mosquitoes.

This delightful herb packs a powerful punch with its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, fighting off fungal infections in surrounding foliage and reducing diseases among your crops.

Beyond being a natural pest repellent and disease fighter for other plants in your garden, chamomile will also enhance its flavor!

Gardeners frequently report more intense flavors in their vegetables or fruits grown close to chamomile because of its capacity to release specific nutrients into the soil, which neighboring herbs can absorb.

Using this aromatic plant beyond just an adorable addition to your landscape will also improve the growth rate of neighboring vegetation as well as enhance their taste profiles without the need for additional fertilizers or chemical sprays.

To top it off? Enjoying a cup of delicious homemade chamomile tea at the end of a fruitful harvest sounds like every gardener’s dream come true!

But remember, growing Chamomile requires regular watering, especially during the summer months.

By protecting it from extreme sunlight conditions, you’ll have a truly versatile plant with more than meets the eye!

Characteristics Of Chamomile

Plant Family Asteraceae	Watering Conditions Well-draining soil, keep soil consistently moist	Mature Size Typically 6-24 inches tall
Soil Requirements Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; pH 5.6-7.5	Sunlight Needs Full sun to light shade	Temperature Tolerance Cool-season herb, sensitive to heat; thrives in USDA zones 3-9
Growth Habit Annual or perennial herb, depending on variety	Flowering Period Late spring to early summer	Flower Color White or Yellow
Foliage Characteristics Delicate, feathery leaves	Propagation Methods Seeds (direct sowing) or divisions	Pruning and Maintenance Regular harvesting of flowers to promote continuous blooming; deadhead spent flowers
Common Pests and Diseases Few pest or disease issues; may encounter aphids	Companion Planting Cabbage, onions, cucumbers, and other herbs	Edible Parts Edible flowers (used in teas and culinary dishes)
Wildlife Attraction Chamomile flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies	Toxicity Generally non-toxic, but individuals with allergies to ragweed may be sensitive to chamomile	Special Care Instructions Keep an eye out for self-seeding, as chamomile can become invasive

9 Best Chamomile Companion Plants

Here are some amazing chamomile companion plants that can improve your garden’s growth and harvest.

From brassicas to cucumbers and tomatoes, these plants not only repel pests but also enhance flavor and provide shade.

1. Brassicas

In the world of herbal gardening, chamomile has emerged as a notably beneficial companion plant for Brassicas.

This includes common garden varieties such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale.

A renowned repellant against stubborn pests like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers, chamomile works tirelessly to protect these nutrient-rich vegetables from destructive infestations with its strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Its ability to attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, ladybugs, wasps, and bees is yet another advantage for Brassicas because they aid in their pollination process.

Furthermore, it’s not just about pest control, chamomile improves the flavor of your crops as well!

The unique chemical substances released by chamomile into the ground can subtly alter and elevate the taste profile of Brassicas.

Finally, let’s not forget that Chamomile makes an excellent grounding cover, providing essential shade for these sun-sensitive plants and thus ensuring their optimal growth.

2. Cucumbers

Cucumbers and chamomile make excellent companions in the garden. Chamomile does a great job of acting as a natural pest barrier and deterrent.

It keeps away harmful insects like cucumber beetles that can damage cucumber plants.

It not only protects your cucumbers but also enhances their flavor and promotes healthy growth.

Plus, chamomile releases beneficial chemicals into the soil that improve the taste of nearby crops.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another fantastic companion plant. They get protection from pests and also take advantage of the pollinators that chamomile attracts.

Chamomile protects tomato plants against fungus. It also distributes chemicals into the soil that increase tomato taste.

But, keep in mind that chamomile might change the flavor of tomatoes, so you may want to spread these two plants apart if this is an issue.

4. Fruit Trees

Planting a fruit tree next to your chamomile plants is a nice way to diversify your garden. Fruit trees are known for getting blight and other fungal diseases.

Planting chamomile nearby does a great job of keeping these diseases away. Plus, chamomile attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help keep pests away from fruit plants.

This natural pest control keeps your fruit trees healthy and productive without the need for harmful chemicals. Planting chamomile near your fruit trees also helps with soil quality.

It releases specific chemicals that enhance the flavor of fruits and help the plants grow.

If you plant fruit trees and chamomile together, not only will you have beautiful and fragrant flowers to enjoy, but you’ll also reap the benefits of delicious-tasting homegrown fruits!

5. Mint

Mint is a fantastic companion to put in your garden. Not only does it add a refreshing fragrance to your outdoor space, but mint also helps protect chamomile from harmful insects like aphids and blackflies.

Mint has natural antibacterial properties that protect nearby plants from infections.

Because mint is a member of the Mediterranean herb family, it pairs well with other herbs like basil, sage, and coriander.

Planting mint and chamomile near other compatible herbs creates a harmonious environment and naturally deters pests from attacking your plants.

6. Beans

Beans are another great plant to grow alongside chamomile. In addition to mutually supporting each other’s growth, chamomile, and beans improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen.

Chamomile helps deter pests like aphids and blackflies that can damage bean plants.

The combination of these two plants creates a harmonious environment where both thrive and benefit from each other’s presence.

So consider planting some beans alongside your chamomile to enhance their growth and overall health in a natural way.

7. Squash

Squash is a great companion plant for chamomile. Chamomile is great at keeping pests away from your squash and improving its flavor and growth.

The anti-fungal qualities of chamomile make it useful for warding off powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that often attacks squash.

If you plant some chamomile near your squash plants, they’ll flourish and provide you with extra-tasty fruit.

8. Basil

One of the best possible chamomile garden companion plants is basil. Basil not only enhances the flavor of chamomile but also provides other advantages to neighboring plants.

This fragrant herb will keep your garden free of insects like aphids and spider mites.

In addition to helping with pollination, beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs will be drawn to your garden if you plant basil.

9. Other vegetables and Plants

Many different types of plants and vegetables can benefit from growing alongside chamomile.

Besides boosting taste and plant development, chamomile also prevents unwanted pests and insects.

Carrots, onions, leeks, garlic, peas, sage, coriander, fruit trees like apple and pear, and Mediterranean herbs like lavender are all great companions to chamomile.

You may build a natural pest management system, improve nutrient distribution, and increase pollination by growing them alongside chamomile in your garden beds or containers.

What Not to Plant Near Chamomile

• Carrots: Avoid planting carrots around chamomile, as they both have similar nutrient requirements and can compete for resources in the soil.
• Fennel: Fennel and chamomile should not be planted together as they both release chemicals that can inhibit each other’s growth.
• Parsnips: Parsnips may stunt the growth of chamomile, so it is best to keep them separate in the garden.
• Parsley: It is not advisable to plant parsley near chamomile, as they are both susceptible to similar pests and diseases.

The Growth Habits of Chamomile

Chamomile is an adaptable herb that does well in both garden soil and potted soil.

It contains tiny blooms that resemble daisies and have a sweet scent, drawing in pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Chamomile plants like full sun but can tolerate some shade if that’s all you have. This makes them great for several different garden locations.

They are low-maintenance and self-seed easily, which means new plants will often sprout with almost no effort on your part.

Additionally, chamomile has a fast growth rate and can reach heights of 1-2 feet within just a few weeks.

Chamomile releases helpful compounds into the soil—another extraordinary growth habit.

These compounds improve the flavor of surrounding crops and help make calming chamomile tea.

Chamomile plants have a remarkable capacity to resist adverse circumstances.

They can survive in poor soil and drought thanks to their deep taproots, which allow plants to acquire nutrients from deeper strata.

Chamomile’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties protect adjacent trees and plants against fungal illnesses like blight and mildew.

This natural defensive system keeps your plants healthy by avoiding disease spread.

Overall, understanding the growth habits of chamomile allows you to make informed decisions when planning your garden layout.

Whether you choose to grow it alongside vegetables or under fruit trees, incorporating this versatile herb into your gardening routine offers both aesthetic appeal and numerous benefits for your entire garden ecosystem.

How to Grow and Care for Chamomile

If you’re convinced of how great chamomile can be in your garden, then here are a few steps you can follow to help it grow, but more importantly, care for it:

1. Choose the right location. Chamomile thrives in full sun, so select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Prepare your soil. Chamomile prefers well-drained, loamy soil. Before planting, loosen the soil down to about 12 inches and remove any rocks or debris. If the soil is heavy or has clay in it, consider adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
3. Sow the seeds. Chamomile can be grown from seeds or seedlings. If you choose to sow seeds directly in the ground, spread them over the soil and lightly press them into the surface. Keep in mind that chamomile self-seeds easily, so allow some space between plants for natural propagation.
4. Water regularly. Chamomile prefers moist soil, so make sure you avoid overwatering because it can lead to root rot. Water deeply once or twice a week during dry periods, making sure the water reaches the root zone.
5. Mulch around plants: Add a layer of organic mulch around chamomile plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
6. Fertilize sparingly. Chamomile doesn’t require heavy feeding. A little bit of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season is enough to support healthy growth.
7. Prune when needed: Trim chamomile plants back after they have finished flowering to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating chamomile into your garden can have numerous benefits for the growth and health of your plants.

By understanding which plants make the perfect chamomile companions, you can create a thriving ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects, repels pests, and enhances the flavor of your vegetables and herbs.

With chamomile by their side, your garden will flourish with beauty and abundance.

Start experimenting with chamomile companion planting today to experience its extraordinary effects firsthand!

Check out our in-depth article on companion planting: The Best Companion Plants For A Thriving Garden

FAQs About Companion Planting With Chamomile

How do companion plants benefit chamomile?

Companion plants can provide shade, enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, deter pests, or attract beneficial insects that assist in pollination and pest control.

They also add visual interest to your garden and create a more biodiverse environment.

Can I plant chamomile near tomatoes and potatoes?

Tomatoes and potatoes aren’t the best neighbors for your chamomile plants.

The nearby chamomile may have an impact on the taste and development of these plants.

Can chamomile prevent pests and diseases when planted with other plants?

Yes, chamomile can help prevent pests and diseases when planted with other plants. Its strong aroma and natural compounds act as a natural deterrent for certain insects and pathogens.

Can I plant mint as a companion plant for chamomile?

Yes, mint can be planted as a companion plant for chamomile. Mint’s strong scent can help repel pests and provide some shade for the chamomile plant.

Are there any plants that won’t grow well near chamomile?

Yes, don’t grow plants like tomatoes and potatoes because they need a lot of shade, while chamomile does well with at least 6 hours of sunlight.

Can chamomile be used to improve the growth and flavor of other plants?

Chamomile enhances plant growth and flavor. It improves nitrogen absorption, soil health, and plant vitality in gardens.