Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla · Herb

A small, cheerful annual with daisy-like flowers and an apple scent. It is easy from seed, copes with poor soil and self-sows freely; the dried flower heads make a gentle herbal tea.

💧WaterWhen the top 1 in is dry, about weekly (estimated)

☀️LightFull sun, 5+ hours

🐾PetsHarmful to pets

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun to light shade, at least 5 hours
Water: About 1 in per week; tolerates short dry spells
Soil: Light, well-drained, even poor soil; pH 5.6–7.5
Temperature: Best 60–75 °F; seedlings handle light frost
Spacing: 8–12 in apart
Container: At least 1 gallon, 6 in deep
Bloom: Flowers 8–10 weeks after sowing (estimated)
Lifespan: Annual, reseeds itself

When?

Sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in autumn in mild-winter areas. Indoors, start 4–6 weeks before the last frost (estimated).

Step by step

Scatter seeds on the surface; they need light to sprout, so press them in without covering.
Keep the surface moist until seedlings appear in 7–14 days.
Thin seedlings to 8–12 in apart once they are 2 in tall.
Water only when the top inch is dry; rich soil and heavy feeding give leaves, not flowers.
Pick flower heads when the petals open flat, every few days at peak.
Dry the heads on a screen in a shaded, airy spot and store in a sealed jar.
Leave a few heads at the end of the season if you want it to reseed.

Common problems

Leggy, floppy stemsToo little sun or too much fertilizer; move to a brighter spot and stop feeding.

Aphids on budsRinse off with a strong water spray; ladybirds usually follow.

Few flowersPick more often; old heads left on the plant slow new blooms.

White powder on leavesPowdery mildew; space plants wider and water at the base.

Pets

Listed as harmful to cats and dogs; eating it can upset the stomach and skin contact may irritate. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Lavender Mint Lemon balm

Sources

ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.