Proper plant spacing is fundamental for cultivating a successful chamomile harvest. Chamomile, which includes both the annual German variety and the perennial Roman variety, is prized globally for its calming tea and aromatic essential oils. Giving each plant adequate room is necessary to maximize the production of flower heads, the primary harvestable part of the plant. Correctly spaced plants also benefit from enhanced air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in crowded conditions.
German vs. Roman: Understanding Growth Habits
The ideal planting distance is determined by the specific type of chamomile being grown. German chamomile is an annual plant characterized by an upright, bushy growth habit, typically reaching 15 to 24 inches. This variety is generally single-stemmed and is the type most commonly cultivated for herbal tea.
Roman chamomile, in contrast, is a hardy perennial with a low-growing, creeping nature, rarely exceeding 6 to 12 inches. This species spreads outward using runners to form a dense, mat-like ground cover. The difference in growth habit means the perennial Roman type requires less vertical space but more horizontal allowance for its spreading behavior.
Site Preparation and Optimal Location
Chamomile flourishes when planted in a location that receives full sun (six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily). While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun promotes the most robust flowering.
The plant prefers well-draining soil, often a loose, sandy, or loamy mixture, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Chamomile is adaptable regarding soil acidity, thriving in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.6 to 7.5. Before planting, remove all weeds, as the small chamomile seeds and young seedlings are easily outcompeted.
Planting Methods and Specific Spacing Guidelines
The method of planting—whether by direct seeding or transplanting—affects the initial spacing requirements. Chamomile seeds require light to germinate and should only be lightly pressed into the soil surface.
German Chamomile Spacing
When planting German chamomile seeds in rows, space the rows about 18 inches apart. Seeds should be broadcast thinly, and the resulting seedlings must be thinned later to ensure final plant spacing. For transplants or established German chamomile plants, the recommended distance is 8 to 12 inches between individual plants. This spacing allows the upright, bushy annuals enough room to develop fully without overlapping and restricting airflow.
Roman Chamomile Spacing
Roman chamomile, due to its spreading nature, is often propagated using root divisions or cuttings. If the goal is to create a dense ground cover, plants can be set closer, sometimes as tight as 8 to 10 inches apart. When planting for optimal flower harvesting or easier division, a wider spacing of 12 to 15 inches between plants is advised.
Post-Planting Care for Dense, Healthy Growth
After planting, thorough watering is necessary to help the chamomile settle into its new location. Maintaining a consistently moist, but never soggy, environment is important during the establishment phase. If direct seeding was used, the most important post-planting step is thinning the seedlings once they have developed their first true leaves.
Thinning ensures the final spacing aligns with recommended distances. Removing the weaker plants redirects resources to the remaining, stronger individuals, maintaining proper density and reducing competition. Weed suppression is also necessary to keep the established spacing effective. This can be achieved through a light layer of mulch, which conserves soil moisture, or via shallow cultivation that avoids disturbing the chamomile’s relatively shallow root system.