60-75days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–8USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

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

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

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilAttracts beneficial insects and may enhance chamomile's essential oil production
CabbageChamomile deters cabbage moths and other brassica pests while improving cabbage flavor
OnionsRepel aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack chamomile
CucumberChamomile attracts beneficial insects that help with cucumber pollination and pest control
BroccoliChamomile's scent masks brassica odors from pest insects and attracts parasitic wasps
LettuceChamomile provides light shade and may improve lettuce growth in warm weather
RosesChamomile attracts beneficial insects and may help deter aphids from roses
TomatoesChamomile attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while potentially improving tomato flavor

Avoid

MintAggressive spreader that can overwhelm chamomile and compete for nutrients and space
Black WalnutProduces juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to chamomile and many other plants
Large SunflowersCreate excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients, stunting chamomile 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 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.

Browse all 104 herbs