How to Grow German Chamomile from Seed

Know Which Chamomile You Are Growing

The name chamomile can refer to more than one plant. German chamomile is Matricaria chamomilla, an annual species in the daisy family. North Carolina Extension and Penn State Extension both use this botanical name for German chamomile.

Roman chamomile is a different species, Chamaemelum nobile, with a different growth habit and life cycle. Growing recommendations for one should not automatically be applied to the other.

Treat German Chamomile as an Annual Crop

German chamomile is an annual, meaning it germinates, grows, flowers, produces seed, and completes its normal life cycle within one growing season.

Illinois Extension also describes German chamomile as a cool-season annual. That distinction is useful when choosing planting time, especially in regions where severe summer heat arrives quickly.

Local planting calendars should therefore be based on regional climate rather than one national planting month. The goal is to give young plants suitable conditions for establishment and flowering.

Choose a Sunny Growing Location

North Carolina Extension recommends full sun for German chamomile, defining full sun as six or more hours of direct sunlight per day.

West Virginia University Extension notes that chamomile can tolerate partial shade, but full sun remains the stronger general starting point when growing German chamomile for vigorous growth and flowering.

In very hot climates, seasonal timing may matter as much as the number of hours of sunlight. Avoid forcing young plants through unnecessarily stressful conditions when a more favorable growing period is available.

Use Well-Drained Soil Without Excess Fertility

North Carolina Extension describes German chamomile as adaptable to sandy and loamy soils with good drainage. It also notes that the species tolerates relatively poor soil.

Rich, heavy, or wet soil is less suitable. This makes drainage and workable soil structure more important than aggressive fertilization.

University of Minnesota Extension similarly recommends well-drained soil for herbs and advises against keeping the root zone continuously soggy.

Start German Chamomile Indoors When Useful

North Carolina Extension recommends starting German chamomile in individual containers indoors approximately six to eight weeks before the last spring frost when transplants are desired.

Use clean containers and a well-drained seed-starting medium. The seed is very small, so avoid burying it under a heavy layer of mix.

University of Minnesota Extension recommends keeping seed-starting mix moist during germination, watering gently enough that seeds and media are not washed from the container, and providing strong artificial light after seedlings emerge.

German Chamomile Can Be Direct Sown

North Carolina Extension recommends outdoor seeding around the last spring frost period. West Virginia University's 2026 garden calendar also places outdoor chamomile sowing in spring.

Direct sowing can be useful because German chamomile does not always transplant especially well. Prepare the bed before sowing so emerging seedlings do not have to compete heavily with weeds.

Place the small seeds near the soil surface rather than burying them deeply. Maintain moisture in the upper seedbed during germination and mark the planting area so the young seedlings are not accidentally disturbed.

Handle Chamomile Transplants Carefully

North Carolina Extension notes that German chamomile tends not to transplant especially well and recommends individual containers when seedlings are started indoors.

This approach reduces the amount of root separation needed when plants are moved into the garden.

Before permanent planting, gradually acclimate indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor sun, wind, and temperature. Handle the root system gently and water after planting to settle soil around the roots.

Thin Crowded German Chamomile Seedlings

Very small seed can produce dense patches of seedlings. Excessive crowding forces young plants to compete for light, moisture, and root space and can restrict air movement through the planting.

Thin plants once seedlings are large enough to distinguish and handle safely. Because the research sources used here do not establish one universal home-garden spacing value for every German chamomile production system, this guide does not invent one.

Use verified seed-source or cultivar-specific spacing when available, while allowing enough room for plants to develop without severe crowding.

Keep Seedlings Moist Without Waterlogging the Soil

Germinating seed and young seedlings need reliable moisture near the soil surface. As root systems develop, irrigation can reach more deeply into the soil profile.

North Carolina Extension describes German chamomile as suitable for moist to occasionally dry soil when drainage is good. This does not mean newly germinated seedlings should be allowed to dry severely.

Adjust watering for rainfall, temperature, soil texture, plant size, and container conditions rather than following a rigid schedule.

Expect an Extended Flowering Period

German chamomile produces fragrant, daisy-like flower heads with white ray flowers surrounding a yellow central disc. North Carolina Extension describes the plant as having a long summer bloom season.

The flowers also have ecological value. North Carolina Extension reports that German chamomile flowers attract bees and flies, with butterflies, wasps, and beetles also visiting less frequently.

Check plants regularly once flowering begins. Flowers can develop over time rather than appearing in one single flush, allowing repeated observation and harvest.

Harvest Clean Chamomile Flower Heads During Bloom

German chamomile is commonly grown for its aromatic flower heads. Collect healthy flowers after they have opened and while they remain in good condition.

For cleaner handling, harvest after surface moisture from rain or dew has dried. Flower heads become increasingly delicate as they mature, so handle harvested material gently.

If flowers will be dried for later nonmedical culinary or craft use, dry the material thoroughly in a clean, well-ventilated location before storing it.

Leave Some Flowers When Seed Production Is the Goal

German chamomile completes its annual life cycle by forming seed after flowering. North Carolina Extension reports seed ripening in late summer or early fall under the conditions described in its plant profile.

Flowers intended for seed should remain on the plant long enough to mature rather than being harvested as fresh flower heads.

If volunteer seedlings are unwanted, remove or harvest mature seed-bearing flower heads before seed is dispersed through the planting area.