How to Plant and Grow Chamomile

There are two similar plants that go by the common name chamomile. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing, fragrant perennial plant that produces daisy-like white flowers from early summer through fall. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a taller, annual version of chamomile, reaching up to 2 feet tall. It has white flowers but with showy yellow centers. Both plants mix well with herbs in a traditional herb garden or try growing them alongside perennials in a mixed border.

Where to Plant Chamomile

A location with full sun is best. The soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

The low-growing Roman chamomile makes a fragrant perennial groundcover. Plant it in a rock garden where it will soften hard edges and slowly spread to cover large swaths of soil. Grow chamomile along a flagstone walkway because it will creep between the stones, blanket the soil, and prevent weeds. It can even be used as an aromatic grass substitute for lawns. It tolerates minimal foot traffic, though, so plant it in areas that are primarily viewed.

Annual German chamomile is a good companion plant for any members of the cabbage family as well as herbs in the mint family, which also includes rosemary, lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil.

How and When to Plant Chamomile

For potted nursery plants, dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep it until the plant is established.

Space Roman chamomile 8 inches apart and German chamomile 12 inches apart.

Chamomile Care Tips

 Chamomile is an easy-to-grow plant that requires little care.

Light

The plant does best in full sun but also tolerates light shade.

Soil and Water

Chamomile does best in well-drained, sandy soil. The ideal pH is in the range of 5.6 to 7.5.

Once established, chamomile is fairly drought tolerant but does better if watered during dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

Both German and Roman chamomile prefer cool summer climates. Roman chamomile is winter-hardy even in subzero climates. The plants can tolerate some heat but not extremely hot weather and no extreme humidity.

Fertilizer

Chamomile usually does not require fertilizer; ir can even grow in poor soil. Overfertilizing can backfire and lead to leggy plants with few flowers.

Pruning

When chamomile become spindly or leggy and flowers are sparse, prune the plant back to about 4 to 5 inches, which will encourage new, more compact and bushy growth and more flowers.

Potting and Repotting Chamomile

All chamomile varieties make good container plants. Select a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Remember that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.

As an annual, German chamomile is discarded at the end of the season but Roman chamomile needs to be repotted every few years into a larger pot when it has outgrown its container. Despite Roman chamomile being winter-hardy in cold climates, containers exposes the plant’s roots to the cold, which can damage or kill the plant. Leave the container outdoors year-round but winterize the pot by sinking it into the ground or by placing in it in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.

Pests and Problems 

With the exception of aphids, chamomile is not bothered by any pests or diseases Aphids can be washed off with a garden hose.

How to Propagate Chamomile

Roman chamomile is best propagated by division in the spring just as the new growth starts. Dig up the clump and lift it out of the ground, then cut it into smaller sections. Make sure each section has intact roots. If you are propagating it from a large mat, you can also cut of a section of the plant with its roots. Replant the sections at the same level as the original plant and water them well until established.

German chamomile is started from seed and in most areas is best started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last average frost date. Place the seeds in 4-inch pots filled with damp potting mix. Do not cover them as they need light to germinate. Keep them at a temperature between 60 to 75 degrees and evenly moist. Once the seedlings emerge, they will need ample sun; place them in a bright, south- or west-facing window or under grow lights and transplant them outdoors after the last danger of frost.

Harvesting

In spring and summer, gather leaves to use fresh or to dry for later use. Pick fully open, fresh flowers early in the day. Rinse under running water and pat dry.

To dry the flowers, spread them on a rack or screen and place in a dry, warm spot but out of direct sunlight. Leave them until fully dried, about 2 weeks. Store dried flowers in airtight jars in a dark location.

Types of Chamomile

German Chamomile

Matricaria recutita is an annual bearing daisy-shape white flowers all summer. It grows 2 feet tall. This is the chamomile widely grown for tea. It has a sweet, straw-like taste with herbal and grassy notes.

Roman Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile is a potentially evergreen groundcover that grows 3 to 6 to inches tall and spreads 12 inches. Each feathery stem grows one daisy-like flower that is larger than 1 inch in diameter. Zone 4-8

Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’

This cultivar of Roman chamomile is a dwarf non-flowering variety that can be planted instead of lawn. If forms a 2- to 4-inch tall, fast-growing mat of fern-like fragrant leaves that stays evergreen in areas with mild winters. It does not require clipping. Zone 4-9