Chamomile is a popular herb, celebrated for its delicate, apple-scented flowers used widely in beverages and traditional remedies. Cultivating this plant from seed is rewarding for the home gardener seeking both culinary and ornamental appeal. This herb is known for its relatively fast growth, offering a harvest of small, daisy-like blooms within a single growing season. Understanding the right time to sow the seeds is the first step toward a successful yield.
German vs. Roman Chamomile: Know Your Variety
The two most commonly cultivated types are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is an annual plant, completing its life cycle in a single year, and grows taller (18 to 24 inches) with a branching habit. This variety is preferred for herbal teas due to its higher concentration of beneficial compounds and sweeter flavor.
Roman chamomile is a perennial that returns each year, growing low to the ground to form a dense, fragrant mat. Gardeners often use this type as a durable groundcover or lawn alternative. Because it is perennial, Roman chamomile is sometimes propagated through division rather than exclusively by seed.
Optimal Timing for Starting Chamomile Seeds
The timing for starting chamomile seeds depends on whether you sow them indoors or directly into the garden soil. Starting seeds indoors approximately six weeks before the last anticipated spring frost date provides the best chance for early establishment. This preparation allows seedlings to gain strength and size, ensuring they are robust enough for outdoor conditions once the weather warms. The optimal temperature for germination is around 65°F (18°C), and seeds sprout within one to two weeks.
Once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, young plants can be hardened off and transplanted. For direct sowing, scatter the seeds onto prepared garden soil in early spring, a few weeks after the final frost.
A successful alternative, particularly for German chamomile, is direct sowing in late fall, just after the first killing frost. This late-season planting allows the seeds to naturally undergo cold stratification over winter. They will germinate early the following spring, often resulting in a stronger, earlier crop than spring-sown seeds. Starting early helps the plant become established before the extreme heat of mid-summer causes stress.
Successful Sowing and Early Seedling Care
Chamomile seeds are minute and require specific techniques for successful germination. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should not be buried deeply beneath the soil surface. Instead, press the seeds lightly onto the top of the seed-starting mix or garden soil, ensuring firm contact with the medium.
Maintaining consistent moisture without over-saturating the soil is important during germination. Use a fine misting bottle for initial watering to prevent the seeds from being washed away. Chamomile thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily, though it tolerates partial shade in regions with intense summer heat.
Once seedlings develop their first true leaves and reach about an inch in height, thinning is necessary to prevent overcrowding. Remove the weaker seedlings to leave the strongest plants spaced about 12 inches apart for German chamomile, or 2 to 4 inches apart for Roman chamomile groundcover. Providing a well-drained, moderately fertile soil ensures the plants remain healthy, as overly rich soil can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.