Chamomile, encompassing species like Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile), is a favored herb known for its delicate, apple-like scented, daisy-like flowers, widely used in herbal teas and other applications. Understanding its distinct growth stages, from seed to flower, provides a clear path for successful cultivation, as each phase has specific requirements.
From Seed to Sprout: Germination and Early Development
The journey of chamomile begins with a tiny seed. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown rather than buried deeply in the soil. A light, well-draining soil mix is ideal for this initial stage, providing necessary aeration and moisture regulation. After scattering the tiny seeds on the surface, gently press them into the soil without covering them.
Consistent moisture is important for successful germination, often achieved by carefully misting the soil surface to avoid dislodging the small seeds. The optimal temperature range for chamomile seed germination is typically between 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Sprouts usually emerge within 7 to 14 days, revealing their first true leaves, which signify the plant’s transition from seed energy to photosynthesis.
Establishing Growth: The Vegetative Stage
Following germination, chamomile seedlings enter the vegetative stage, focusing on developing a robust root system and lush foliage. German chamomile typically grows upright, reaching up to 2 feet tall, while Roman chamomile forms a lower, creeping mat. Adequate sunlight is important; chamomile plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. Full sun exposure generally leads to the best flowering, though partial shade can be beneficial in warmer climates to prevent heat stress.
As the seedlings mature, thinning may be necessary to ensure proper spacing, usually 8 to 12 inches apart for German chamomile. While chamomile can tolerate poorer soils, rich, organic, well-drained soil promotes stronger, less floppy stems. Consistent watering is still necessary, aiming for about an inch of water per week, allowing the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings. This stage builds the plant’s structure in preparation for flowering, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
Bloom and Harvest: The Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is often the most anticipated part of the chamomile growth cycle, typically beginning 60 to 90 days after planting. Chamomile produces abundant daisy-like flowers with white ray petals and prominent yellow centers. German chamomile flowers often have a hollow, conical yellow center, distinguishing them from the flatter, solid centers of Roman chamomile. The flowers release a distinctive, sweet, apple-like fragrance, especially when crushed.
Harvesting chamomile flowers at the right time ensures optimal potency and flavor for herbal uses. The best time to pick the blossoms is when they are fully open, with petals flat or slightly curving backward, and ideally in the late morning after dew has dried but before the midday sun becomes too intense. Gently pinching or snipping just the flower head, leaving the stem intact, encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Regular harvesting, every few days or weekly, promotes continuous flowering throughout the season until frost.
Lifecycle Conclusion: Seed Production and Plant Decline
After the flowering stage, the chamomile plant naturally progresses towards seed production and eventual decline. If flowers are not harvested, their petals will eventually droop and dry, allowing the central disc to mature and form seeds. German chamomile is an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire life cycle, from germination to seed production and death, within a single growing season. However, it readily self-seeds, often returning in the same area the following year if allowed to drop seeds.
Roman chamomile, in contrast, is a perennial that can live for multiple years, spreading through creeping roots and regrowing each spring. For both types, allowing some flowers to go to seed ensures future generations of plants. Seeds can also be collected once the flower heads turn brown and dry, rubbing them to release the tiny, yellowish-brown seeds for storage in a cool, dry place.