How to Grow Camille
iNaturalist
Camille
Matricaria chamomilla
herbCamille, commonly known as German chamomile, is a delicate annual herb with feathery foliage and small, daisy-like white and yellow flowers. It has been used for centuries in teas, medicines, and cosmetics for its calming and soothing properties. The plant self-seeds readily and grows quickly from seed to flowering.
When should you plant Camille in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Camille timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Camille
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Camille
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Camille dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler climates and may bolt quickly in hot summers
Sign up free to see if Camille grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Camille timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with fine, feathery cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. Leaves are delicate and bright green.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have true leaves.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy growth with feathery, finely divided foliage resembling fennel. Stems are slender and light green. Height reaches 12-24 inches.
Water moderately. Pinch tips early to encourage bushier growth if desired, though this delays flowering. Ensure good drainage and air circulation.
Budding
1-2 weeksSmall buds form at the tips of branches. Buds are tightly clustered and appear as green nubs with yellow centers.
Continue regular watering. Do not overwater as plant enters this stage. Provide full sun for maximum flower production.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (can continue until frost)Delicate white and yellow daisy-like flowers bloom profusely. Flowers are small (0.5-1 inch diameter) with white petals surrounding a yellow, button-like center (disk florets).
Harvest flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers if not saving seeds. Water at soil level, avoiding wetting flowers.
Seed Production & Decline
2-3 weeksIf left unharvested, flowers develop seed heads. Plant may begin to decline in late summer, especially in hot climates.
Leave some flowers on the plant if you want to collect seeds for next year. Allow seed heads to fully dry before harvesting. Plant will naturally senesce as temperatures rise.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
-
Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur or neem oil if needed.
-
Increase humidity and air circulation. Spray with water or use insecticidal soap.
-
Avoid overwatering and ensure well-draining soil. Remove affected plants to prevent spread.
Uses
Chamomile Tea & Infusions
CulinaryDried flowers are steeped to create a mild, slightly sweet herbal tea with a delicate apple-like aroma. Commonly used for relaxation and sleep preparation. [source]
Calming & Sleep Support
MedicinalTraditionally used to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. The flowers contain compounds like apigenin that interact with receptors in the brain. [source]
Skincare & Cosmetics
HouseholdChamomile infusions and extracts are used in lotions, salves, and creams for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Often added to natural skincare products. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalTraditionally consumed as a tea to soothe digestive complaints, reduce inflammation, and support gastrointestinal health. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSmall delicate flowers attract and feed bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. A valuable plant for pollinator gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers in the morning after dew dries but before full sun, when flowers are fully open and dry. Pinch or cut flowers with about 1 inch of stem. For tea, harvest flowers at peak bloom. For maximum yield, harvest regularly throughout the blooming period to encourage continuous flowering. Dry flowers by spreading them on screens in a warm, airy location away from direct sunlight (2-3 days). Store dried flowers in airtight containers away from light and moisture.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'chamomile' comes from the Greek words 'kamai' (ground) and 'melon' (apple), referring to its low-growing habit and apple-like fragrance.
- 🌱 Chamomile has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years and was sacred to ancient Egyptians, who used it in embalming rituals.
- 🌱 German chamomile readily self-seeds, so a single planting can return year after year without replanting if seeds are allowed to fall and overwinter.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Camille planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Camille seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Camille timeline →