How to Grow Chamomile

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Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

herb

Chamomile is a delicate annual herb with feathery foliage and small daisy-like flowers that bloom profusely throughout the growing season. Known for its calming properties, it's one of the most popular herbal teas and has been used medicinally for centuries. The plant self-seeds readily and attracts beneficial insects to the garden.

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Example Chamomile timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Chamomile
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Chamomile
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chamomile dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Moderate water; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Drought-tolerant once established.

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Spacing: 9 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from seed to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds; needs light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure peat moss

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; grows best in cool to moderate climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Germination

7-14 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with threadlike cotyledons. Seeds require light and warm soil (60-70°F) to germinate.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light once sprouted. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops feathery, fern-like foliage. Stems elongate and branch out, creating a bushy mound 12-24 inches tall.

Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. No fertilizer needed if soil is adequate.

Budding & Flowering

4-8 weeks

Flower buds appear at branch tips. Delicate white and yellow daisy-like flowers begin opening, reaching peak bloom.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Harvest flowers as they open for tea or drying. Maintain consistent moisture.

Peak Bloom & Self-Seeding

4-6 weeks

Plant is covered in flowers continuously. As flowers fade, seed heads form. Plant may reach 2-3 feet tall if left unpruned.

Leave some flowers unharvested to allow self-seeding for next season. Continue harvesting fresh flowers. Deadhead to prolong bloom.

Decline & End of Season

Until frost

As temperatures cool or day length shortens, flowering slows. Plant may become woody and less productive.

Allow flowers to mature and drop seeds if self-seeding is desired. Pull plants once frost arrives or productivity declines.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

basil dill fennel yarrow echinacea mint thyme vegetables in general

Avoid planting near:

beans brassicas (if using as pest deterrent nearby)

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Increase humidity by misting; use neem oil or sulfur dust in severe cases.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur or baking soda solution if needed.

Uses

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Herbal Tea & Infusions

Culinary

Fresh or dried flowers brew into a soothing, apple-scented tea. Commonly used as a relaxation beverage and digestive aid. [source]

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Calming & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Contains compounds like apigenin that promote relaxation and sleep quality. Traditionally used to reduce anxiety and improve rest. [source]

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Digestive & Anti-inflammatory

Medicinal

Supports digestive health and has anti-inflammatory properties. Often used to soothe upset stomachs and intestinal discomfort. [source]

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Skin Care & Bath Soaks

Household

Chamomile infusions can be added to bathwater or used as a skin rinse for sensitive or irritated skin. Used in homemade salves and creams. [source]

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Pollinator Attractor

Wildlife

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it excellent for supporting garden pollinators and natural pest control. [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 intense heat, when blooms are fully open. Pinch or cut flowers at the base. For drying, spread on screens in a warm, dry location with good air circulation, or hang-dry in bundles. Flowers are ready to use fresh or dried within days.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chamomile is known as the 'plant physician' because it helps nearby plants grow better and resist disease, making it an excellent companion plant.
🌱 The name 'chamomile' comes from Greek words meaning 'ground apple' (chamai = ground, melon = apple), referring to its apple-like scent.
🌱 Medieval herbalists used chamomile flowers as a natural dye, producing soft yellow and green hues on fabrics.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Pinch Back

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