How to Grow German Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
German Chamomile is a versatile cool-season annual herb prized for its delicate flowers and calming properties. Gardeners grow it to harvest fresh leaves or dried blooms for teas, tinctures, and culinary uses while adding texture to the garden.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting German Chamomile: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — German Chamomile is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds in the garden two to six weeks before the last frost; do not start indoors as this species prefers natural light exposure from germination.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. As a cool-season crop, sow seeds directly outdoors two to six weeks before your last frost date. Press tiny seeds lightly into the surface without covering them deeply, as light aids germination. Expect sprouts in seven to fourteen days under favorable conditions.
Space plants six to eight inches apart to ensure good air circulation. Provide consistent moisture, watering regularly to keep soil evenly damp but not soggy. Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed lightly if growth appears stunted, though this plant generally thrives in average garden soil.
Watch for aphids, thrips, and spider mites; spray with water or insecticidal soap if infestations occur. Prevent powdery mildew by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest flowers or leaves every sixty to seventy-five days after planting once they reach maturity. Cut stems cleanly just above the soil line for continuous production.
When to Plant German Chamomile
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | April – May | — | August – September |
| Zone 3 | April – May | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | — | May – December |
Companion Plants for German Chamomile
✓ Good companions
Attracts beneficial insects and may enhance chamomile's essential oil production
Chamomile's scent masks brassica odors from pest insects and attracts parasitic wasps
Chamomile deters cabbage moths and other brassica pests while improving cabbage flavor
Chamomile attracts beneficial insects that help with cucumber pollination and pest control
Chamomile provides light shade and may improve lettuce growth in warm weather
Repel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack chamomile
Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and may help deter aphids from roses
Chamomile attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while potentially improving tomato flavor
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to chamomile and many other plants
Create excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients, stunting chamomile growth
Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm chamomile and compete for nutrients and space
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
