Chamomile Seeds

While they may be used interchangeably when making tea, the two varieties of chamomile have some differences. Roman chamomile seeds are perennial, and are used to grow a wonderfully low groundcover, with feathery foliage and dainty, white, daisy-like blooms. German chamomile seeds are annual, and produce a slightly taller, bushier version of this plant. Both produce wonderfully aromatic blossoms, which can simply be snipped from your garden and steeped in hot water to make your very own relaxing tea. Both look gorgeous in the landscape.

• German or roman varieties available
• Tall-growing heirloom annual
• Popular uses include culinary, fragrance, and medicinal
• Thrives in bright, sunny growing areas

We are all familiar with the calming and sedative properties of chamomile tea, which can be brewed from either German chamomile or Roman chamomile flowers. Chamomile offers medicinal properties, helping with numerous conventional health issues due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent properties. It can be used in the form of tea, tincture, lotion, capsules, or drops.

This daisy-like plant comes from the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers, Echinacea, and marigold. Chamomile comes from the Greek word chamomaela, meaning ground apple to describe its refreshing scent. Chamomile has been around for a very long time, dating back thousands of years to at least as early as ancient Egyptian times. The widely renowned herb offers a multitude of beneficial properties and uses. Why not grow chamomile in your very own herb garden this year?

Direct sow chamomile seeds in late fall, after the first killing frost, so seeds naturally cold stratify. For spring planting, start seeds indoors about six weeks before the final frost date. The optimal temperature for chamomile to germinate is 65°F. Chamomile thrives in full sun conditions, but can also tolerate partial shade. Use rich, organic soil that is well-drained.

Sow your seeds directly onto the surface of the soil. Do not cover seeds, as they require direct sunlight to germinate. Once seedlings are about one inch tall, thin out to one plant every two to four inches. If growing indoors, be sure to transplant before chamomile's first blooms. Harvest the chamomile flower once it is fully open. The flower can be used fresh or choose a dried flower use for your chamomile plants. Leaves may be harvested in late spring through early summer.

Besides its aesthetic and medicinal qualities, chamomile can also be very useful in the garden by facilitating growth and even healing nearby plants. Companion plants for chamomile include bee balm, phlox, Black Eyed Susan, lungwort, astilbe, bleeding heart, and delphiniums.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for chamomile seed, see the Chamomile Seeds Planting Guide.