German Chamomile
German Chamomile is a heirloom herb. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 60-75. Skin runs to bright white petals with golden yellow centers. Water need is moderate, consistent moisture preferred. Suits zones 2-8. It will crop in a container.
Sowing
Direct sow in early spring or fall. Seeds need light to germinate, barely cover. Can also start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.
Cultivation
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
- Water
- Moderate, consistent moisture preferred
- Soil
- Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter
- Soil pH
- 5.6-7.5
- Spacing
- 6-8 inches
- Height
- 13-30 inches
- Season
- Cool season annual
Appearance & flavour
- Colour
- Bright white petals with golden yellow centers
- Size
- Small daisy-like flowers, 0.5-0.75 inches across
- Shape
- Classic daisy form with feathery, fern-like foliage
- Flavour
- Sweet, apple-like aroma with honey undertones and mild, soothing taste
In the kitchen
Herbal teas, tisanes, potpourri, aromatherapy, natural skincare preparations
Pests, disease & resistance
- Pests
- Aphids, thrips, spider mites
- Diseases
- Powdery mildew, damping-off in seedlings
- Resistance
- Generally disease resistant, may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions
Planting calendar by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | April – May | June – August | — | August – September |
| 3 | April – May | June – July | — | July – October |
| 4 | March – April | June – July | — | July – October |
| 5 | March – April | May – June | — | June – October |
| 6 | March – April | May – June | — | June – November |
| 7 | February – March | April – June | — | June – November |
| 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
Companion planting
8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.
Avoid
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
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Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.
Grown German 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 German Chamomile suits these too.
- Mrs. Burns' Lemon 60 days
- Spicy Globe Basil 60 days
- Purple Ruffles Oregano 60 days
- Spearmint 60 days
- Cuban Oregano 60 days
- Summer Savory 60 days