60-65days to harvest
7-14 daysdays to germinate
Z2–8USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost by scattering seeds on soil surface and pressing gently (do not cover). Or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost on soil surface under grow lights, transplant after hardening off.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
Moderate; regular watering when young, drought-tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained loam, neutral to slightly acidic; tolerates poor soil
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
1 ft. 1 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
White petals with yellow disk center
Shape
Daisy-like, small button flower
Flavour
Delicate, slightly sweet, apple-like flavor with gentle herbal and floral notes; soothing and mild, not bitter

In the kitchen

Herbal tea, digestive remedy, sleep aid, edible flower garnish for salads and desserts, infusions, medicinal herbal preparations

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, flies
Diseases
Powdery mildew, root rot in humid conditions, damping off in seedlings

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2April – MayJune – August—August – September
3April – MayJune – July—July – October
4March – AprilJune – July—July – October
5March – AprilMay – June—June – October
6March – AprilMay – June—June – November
7February – MarchApril – June—June – November
8February – MarchApril – May—May – December
9January – FebruaryMarch – April—April – December
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 2 to avoid.

CabbageChamomile improves cabbage growth and flavor while repelling cabbage moths
OnionsMutual pest protection - onions repel chamomile pests while chamomile deters onion flies
CucumbersChamomile enhances cucumber growth and helps prevent bacterial wilt
TomatoesChamomile may improve tomato flavor and growth while providing ground cover
BroccoliAttracts beneficial insects that control broccoli pests like cabbage worms
BeansChamomile's flowers attract pollinators beneficial for bean production
CarrotsChamomile improves soil health and may enhance carrot flavor
LettuceProvides beneficial shade and attracts pest-eating beneficial insects

Avoid

MintBoth are aggressive spreaders that compete for space and resources
Black WalnutReleases juglone which is toxic to chamomile and inhibits its growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Common Chamomile?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Common Chamomile suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs