Chamomile is a small, daisy-like herb grown for its fragrant flower heads, which are dried for tea. Two kinds are grown. German chamomile is an annual that flowers heavily and is the usual choice for tea, while Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial. Chamomile is easy from seed, likes cool weather and full sun, and keeps producing flowers the more you pick. This page covers the two types, sowing, spacing, care, harvest timing and drying.
Chamomile at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Cool-season |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 8 in |
| Row spacing | 18 in |
| Per square foot | 4 |
| Seed depth | 0.05 in |
| Days to maturity | 56 from transplant |
| How to start | Sow German chamomile seed in early spring; seedlings tolerate a light frost. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant chamomile
Sow German chamomile seed in early spring; seedlings tolerate a light frost. Research from Montana State University also used greenhouse-sown transplants started in early to mid-April and set out in mid-May, spaced about 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Chamomile prefers cooler climates, so in hot regions sow early or in fall. Use the frost dates by ZIP code tool and the planting calendar to time sowing.
How to plant chamomile
- Know the type. German chamomile is an annual with a hollow flower center; Roman chamomile is a perennial with a solid center.
- Sow shallowly. The seed is very small and should be planted shallowly, so scatter it on the surface and press it in rather than burying it.
- Space plants. Allow about 8 inches between transplants and 18 inches between rows. Use the plant spacing calculator.
- Give light and drainage. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Keep new plantings moist. Irrigation is usually needed, especially while the plants establish.
Caring for chamomile
Water regularly while plants are establishing, then water when the soil dries. The garden watering calculator can help you plan. Chamomile needs little feeding, and too much nitrogen gives leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Picking encourages more flowers. German chamomile is an annual, so let a few flowers ripen and drop seed if you want it to return next year.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Cabbage-family crops, onions, cucumbers and most herbs |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Nothing in particular |
Chamomile is a small plant that attracts pollinators and fits well along bed edges and between vegetables, as long as taller crops do not shade it. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leggy plants, few flowers | Tall stems with few blooms | Usually too little sun or too much nitrogen. Move to full sun and avoid heavy feeding. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on stems and buds | Rinse off with a strong spray of water. See the pest identifier. |
| Heat stress | Plants stop flowering and bolt in hot weather | Sow early so most flowering happens before summer heat, and water evenly. |
| Poor germination | Seed does not sprout | Chamomile seed is small and needs to stay near the surface. Do not bury it; keep the surface moist. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pick the flower heads when they are fully open. In Montana State University trials, flowers from transplants were raked about every 10 days starting about 8 weeks after transplanting, and quality is best when picked at the right stage. Pick often to keep plants producing.
Dry the flowers carefully to avoid discoloring them or damaging them with heat. Spread them in a thin layer in a warm, airy place out of direct sun, then store them in a sealed jar. If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, take care with chamomile and ask a health professional.
Plan your chamomile
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant chamomile plants?
Space chamomile plants 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 4 per square foot.
How deep do I plant chamomile seeds?
Do not bury chamomile seed: it is very small and should be sown shallowly, scattered on the surface and pressed in lightly.
How long do chamomile plants take to grow?
Transplants were ready for their first picking about 8 weeks after transplanting in Montana State University trials, then picked about every 10 days.
How much water do chamomile plants need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Water regularly while plants establish, then when the soil dries; irrigation is usually needed in dry weather.
What is the difference between German and Roman chamomile?
German chamomile is an annual with a hollow flower center and is the usual tea chamomile. Roman chamomile is a perennial with a solid center.
How often should I pick chamomile flowers?
In Montana State University trials, flowers were harvested about every 10 days once flowering began. Picking often encourages more blooms.
Does chamomile come back every year?
German chamomile is an annual, so it only returns if some flowers are left to drop seed. Roman chamomile is a perennial.