German Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
The classic tea herb beloved for its apple-scented flowers and gentle, soothing properties that have been treasured for centuries. This delicate annual produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and bright yellow centers that can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. Easy to grow and self-seeds readily, creating a charming cottage garden atmosphere while providing homegrown herbal tea.
Harvest
60-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–8
USDA hardiness
Height
13-30 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for German Chamomile in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 herb →Zone Map
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German Chamomile · Zones 2–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 1 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 1 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Edibility: Flowers for tea and other culinary uses.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh German chamomile flowers stay vibrant for 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator in a slightly damp paper towel inside a perforated plastic bag. For immediate use, keep flowers at room temperature for up to 24 hours, avoiding direct sunlight which degrades essential oils.
Drying is the preferred preservation method—spread flowers in a single layer on screens in a warm, dry, dark location with good air circulation. Properly dried flowers retain their apple scent and turn slightly golden; store in airtight glass containers away from light for up to one year. For faster results, use a dehydrator at 95-100°F for 4-6 hours. Freezing fresh flowers works well for tea use—freeze on trays, then transfer to containers. Avoid traditional canning methods as heat destroys chamomile's delicate beneficial compounds.
History & Origin
Origin: Temp. Eurasia to Indo-China
Advantages
- +Edible: Flowers for tea and other culinary uses.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Flowers, Leaves): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Attracts beneficial insects and may enhance chamomile's essential oil production
Cabbage
Chamomile deters cabbage moths and other brassica pests while improving cabbage flavor
Onions
Repel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack chamomile
Cucumber
Chamomile attracts beneficial insects that help with cucumber pollination and pest control
Broccoli
Chamomile's scent masks brassica odors from pest insects and attracts parasitic wasps
Lettuce
Chamomile provides light shade and may improve lettuce growth in warm weather
Roses
Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and may help deter aphids from roses
Tomatoes
Chamomile attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while potentially improving tomato flavor
Keep Apart
Mint
Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm chamomile and compete for nutrients and space
Black Walnut
Produces juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to chamomile and many other plants
Large Sunflowers
Create excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients, stunting chamomile growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, spider mites
Diseases
Powdery mildew, damping-off in seedlings