How to Grow German Chamomile

Growing guide

Overview

German chamomile is an easy, fast-growing annual herb grown for its apple-scented, daisy-like flowers that dry well for tea. Growers love it because it needs little care, handles light frost, and often self-seeds for a repeat supply. It thrives in full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil with low water once established.

Soil & planting prep

Use well-drained loamy or sandy soil; avoid heavy clay and overly rich soil, since too much nitrogen reduces flowering. Prepare a smooth seedbed and sow seeds on the surface, then thin or space final plants 8–12 inches apart.

When to plant

Direct sow outdoors in early spring, about 2–3 weeks before your average last frost date, as soon as the soil can be worked. Seedlings tolerate light frost, so a cool spring start is ideal. German chamomile is not a fall-planted crop in USDA zones 3a–9b, so spring sowing is the reliable window.

How to plant

1. Choose a full-sun location with well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
2. Scatter the tiny seeds directly on the soil surface; do not cover them, because they need light to germinate.
3. Press the seeds gently into the soil with your hand or a board so they make firm contact.
4. Mist the area after sowing and keep the seedbed evenly moist until germination, usually 7–14 days.
5. Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart once they have their first true leaves.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Burying chamomile seeds is the most common failure because the seeds need light to germinate; press them onto the soil surface instead of covering them.
• Growing chamomile in rich, heavily fertilized soil causes leafy plants with few flowers; use low- to average-fertility soil and avoid nitrogen-heavy feeding.
• Overwatering or planting in heavy clay leads to root rot and weak growth; use sandy or loamy well-drained soil and water sparingly once established.
• Placing chamomile in shade produces leggy, floppy plants with sparse blooms; give it a full-sun spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct light.
• Harvesting every single flower prevents self-seeding, so if you want German chamomile to return next year, leave some flowers to mature and drop seed.

Harvesting & storage

Harvest flowers about 60–90 days after sowing, when petals are fully open but before they begin to droop. Snip or pinch off just the flower heads, leaving the stems behind so the plant can keep producing. Dry the blossoms in a single layer in a warm, dark, airy spot, then store them in an airtight container for tea.

Companion planting

German chamomile grows well near cabbage, onions, and cucumbers, where it can help attract beneficial insects. There are no widely proven bad companions, but avoid placing it beside plants that need constant heavy irrigation since chamomile prefers dry soil.

Growing in containers

German chamomile grows well in a container at least 3 gallons. Use a well-drained potting mix, place the pot in full sun, and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.

Pro tips

Surface sow directly — seeds need light to germinate, do not cover. Self-seeds freely so you only plant once. Harvest flowers when petals are fully open. Dry in a single layer for tea. Note: avoid if allergic to ragweed.