German chamomile seeds produce a fragrant annual that is easy to grow in a sunny garden bed or container. The tiny seeds need light to germinate, so they should be pressed onto the soil surface or covered with only a very thin layer. Once seedlings are established, give them room to branch, keep the soil from drying out completely, and pick flowers as they open.
How to grow German chamomile from seed
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, also called Matricaria recutita) is an annual, unlike Roman chamomile, which is a low-growing perennial. It grows upright, with fine, feathery foliage and small, daisy-like flowers. A mature plant may reach roughly 1 to 2 feet tall, depending on growing conditions and variety.
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Chamomile tolerates average soil and does not need heavy feeding. Very rich soil can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If your garden soil stays wet, use a raised bed or container with drainage holes.
You can sow seeds outdoors in spring once the soil is workable, or start them indoors about four to six weeks before your last expected frost. Chamomile handles cool weather, so an early outdoor sowing is often practical. In mild climates, seeds can also be sown in fall.
Chamomile seed starting and germination
Chamomile seeds are extremely small. Mix them with a little dry sand to spread them more evenly, or scatter them carefully by hand. Press them against the soil with your palm or a flat board. Because light helps germination, do not bury them deeply. If you cover them at all, use a dusting of fine soil or vermiculite.
Keep the seedbed evenly moist while the seeds sprout. A gentle mist or fine spray helps prevent the seeds from washing into clumps. Germination often takes about one to two weeks, though temperature and growing conditions can change the timing. Once seedlings appear, provide strong light and avoid keeping the soil saturated.
For indoor chamomile seed starting, use a seed-starting mix and a shallow tray with drainage. Scatter the seeds on the surface, press them in, and set the tray in a bright spot. If seedlings are crowded, thin them by snipping the extras at soil level. When outdoor conditions are suitable, harden off indoor-grown plants gradually before transplanting. Direct sowing is often simpler because young chamomile roots can be delicate.
Spacing, sunlight, and watering
Thin or transplant seedlings so plants stand about 6 to 12 inches apart. The closer end of that range suits a compact planting; more space improves airflow around larger plants and makes picking easier. Chamomile also self-sows readily. If you do not want seedlings appearing in the same area next year, remove spent flowers before they drop seed.
Aim for at least six hours of direct sun a day. In hot regions, afternoon shade can help plants cope with intense heat, though it may reduce flowering. Water newly planted seedlings regularly while their roots establish. After that, water when the top layer of soil begins to dry. Chamomile can tolerate brief dry spells, but prolonged dryness may shorten flowering and reduce the number of blossoms.
Growing chamomile in pots
Chamomile in pots needs a container with drainage holes and enough room for roots to develop. A pot at least 8 inches deep works for a small planting; a wider container can hold several plants if they are spaced apart. Fill it with standard potting mix rather than dense garden soil.
Containers dry out faster than garden beds, especially in warm, windy weather. Check the soil often and water when the surface begins to dry, allowing excess water to drain away. Place the pot where it receives ample sun. If the plants become tall and crowded, move the container to a spot with good airflow and remove damaged or spent growth.
When and how to harvest chamomile flowers
Harvest chamomile flowers when the white petals have opened and the yellow centers are prominent. Pick them on a dry day after morning dew has evaporated. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more blossoms and keeps flowers from going to seed.
Pinch or snip the flower heads just below the base. The plants may flower over several weeks, so check them every few days during peak bloom. Avoid taking every flower at once if you want the plant to self-sow.
How to dry chamomile flowers
Spread clean flowers in a single layer on a screen, tray, or paper-lined surface in a warm, dry place with good airflow, out of direct sunlight. Turn them occasionally so they dry evenly. A dehydrator set to a low temperature can also be used; follow the appliance’s instructions and check often to avoid scorching.
Flowers are ready for storage when they feel dry and crisp rather than soft or pliable. Keep them in a sealed jar in a cool, dark cupboard, and label the container with the harvest date. Discard flowers that develop an unusual smell or show signs of moisture or mold.
