Latin Name: Matricaria recutita
Main Uses: Tea, Medicinal

Zone Hardiness: Annual (Reseeding)
Exposure: Part sun
Height: 45 cm (18 inches)
Flower Color: White
Flowering Time: Early summer (late June-July).
Seed Source: Organically grown

Germination: 3-5 days at 21 degrees Celsius 
Sowing Outdoors: Direct seed outdoors, once the risk of frost has passed. Sprinkle seed onto soil and rake in gently, being careful not to bury seeds. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden, in which case they should be broadcast over the area they are to inhabit or planted in rows. Do not cover the seeds as they need light to germinate.
Planting depth: Lightly-covered.
Planting out: Plant in well-drained fertile soil (garden or container)
Spacing: Thin for the final spacing of 4-6”. Keep the soil damp, but not wet. German Chamomile has a tendency to wilt easily in hot, dry conditions. Flowers should develop by mid-summer. Harvest by pulling off the heads of the plants, or cutting with garden shears.

Harvesting:  Harvest flower heads regularly for best yields.

Growing in Containers: Well-suited for large raised beds, but not smaller containers.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not well-suited for mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden bed amended with compost. No additional fertilizer is required.

Watering (Garden): Water plants daily to get roots established (about two weeks). Once established, water only as required.

Garden Companions: 

• Chamomile is said to improve the flavour of cucumbers and onions.
• Chamomile attracts predatory Wasps (which will kill the larvae of the cabbage moth and squash bugs), Hoverflies, Squash Bugs, and Cabbage Moths.

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.