How to Grow Chamomile (German)
Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile is a cheerful hardy annual that produces apple-scented white and yellow flowers perfect for herbal tea. Sow on the surface without covering — seeds need light to germinate — in a sunny spot in any well-drained soil. It needs almost no feeding, and the key to a long harvest is picking flowers regularly as soon as they open fully. It self-seeds readily, so you may not need to sow again after the first year.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 7°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Chamomile rarely needs feeding; on very poor soil a light balanced feed at planting is sufficient. Over-feeding produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Surface-sow without covering — chamomile seeds need light to germinate. Pick flowers regularly as soon as they are fully open to encourage continuous production throughout summer.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 7°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–20°C
- Direct sow
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Colonies of greenfly cluster on soft shoot tips and flower buds in warm weather.
- Pinch off heavily infested shoot tips.
- Knock aphids off with a jet of water.
- Insecticidal soap spray for heavy infestations.
Pest Thrips
Identification: Tiny silvery streaks on petals and distorted flowers.
- Remove and destroy affected blooms.
- Keep plants well-watered to reduce stress.
- Pyrethrin-based spray if infestation is severe.
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves in warm, dry conditions with poor air circulation.
Treatment: Improve spacing, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves promptly.
Prevention: Good airflow and correct plant spacing from the start.
Disease Damping Off Pythium spp.
Symptoms: Seedlings collapse at soil level in damp, cool conditions soon after germination.
Treatment: Remove affected seedlings immediately to prevent spread.
Prevention: Use gritty, free-draining seed compost, avoid overwatering, sow thinly.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 7°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Chamomile (German)?
- Plant Chamomile (German) 20cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- Is Chamomile (German) frost hardy?
- Chamomile (German) is classified as Hardy.
