Chamomile

Growing chamomile in your garden is both rewarding and beautiful—these dainty daisy-like blooms not only look charming but also make soothing tea, attract pollinators, and even dye fabric! Here’s a guide to cultivating chamomile and a look at the most popular varieties:

🌱 Why Grow Chamomile?

Chamomile is an easy to grow perennial, hardy in USDA zones 2–9, thrives in full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-draining soil  . It’s drought tolerant, resists most pests, and flowers from spring through mid‑summer, often reblooming if regularly harvested.

Top Chamomile Varieties

1. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla / recutita)

• Type: Annual, upright, 2–3 ft tall
• Flowers: Small, white petals with yellow conical centers
• Aroma & Use: Sweet, apple-like, high in apigenin—ideal for a calming tea  
• Tips: Sow in early spring or fall; self‑seeds prolifically  

2. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

• Type: Perennial, low‑growing groundcover (3–6 in tall)
• Flowers: Daisy-like, slightly larger than German
• Aroma & Use: Sweet‑fruity scent; good for tea blends, groundcover, edging  
• Care: Propagate by division in spring or fall  

3. Dyer’s Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria)

• Type: Perennial, bushy (18–36 in)
• Flowers: Bright golden, no white petals
• Use: Natural dye for fabrics, long‑lasting color in gardens  
• Cultivation: Full sun, well‑drained soil  

4. Wild (Pineapple Weed – Matricaria discoidea)

• Type: Annual wild native
• Flowers: Yellow‑green, button‑shaped
• Flavor: Light pineapple smell; good for tea  

Planting & Care Tips 

1. Sowing seeds: Late winter to early spring, or autumn in mild climates. Lightly press seeds onto soil—don’t bury them  .
2. Soil & light: Use sandy loam with compost. Place in full sun or partial shade (especially in hotter areas)  .
3. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist early on. Once established, allow it to dry between waterings  .
4. Harvesting: Pick blooms when petals start flaring backward in mid‑morning. Frequent harvesting boosts flower production  .
5. Drying & storage: Air‑dry for 1–2 weeks until brittle, then store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place  .
6. Companion planting: Excellent companion for veggies like broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers—it attracts beneficial insects  .

Harvest to Cup ☕️

With German chamomile, steep 2–3 tsp of dried flowers in boiling water for 5–15 minutes. Drink about an hour before bed to help improve sleep thanks to its calming apigenin  .

Final Thoughts

Chamomile is a delightful herb to grow—simple to care for, functional, and lovely in the landscape. Choose German for tea-making and self-seeding charm, Roman for aromatic groundcover and edging, Dyer’s for golden blooms and dyeing, or Wild for foraged flair. No matter the variety, this herb offers beauty and purpose.

Check out our store to purchase German Chamomile today!

Inspired to plant? Share your experience or ask questions below—I’d love to help your garden flourish!