Chamomile

Basic Information

Seed Number

25

Seed Name

Chamomile

Variety

German

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 1

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 24 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

Apr 1 – May 15

Transplant

Apr 20 – May 31

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not recorded

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not recorded

Germination Days

10–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

60-68°F

Planting Depth

Surface sow; cover very shallowly

Plant Spacing

8 in

Row Spacing

18 in

Thin-To Spacing

8 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep moist through germination; moderate water after establishment

Soil Preference

Average, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

1-2 gal or 8-10 in deep

Plant Height

18-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – Jun 15; Aug 15 – Sep 5
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–90 days
Perennial?: No; may self-seed
Succession / Reusable Notes: Tiny seeds need light to germinate; surface sow.
Zone 6B Notes: Good tea/herb garden plant.
Companion Plants: Brassicas, onions, cucumbers, herbs, calendula, yarrow
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overcrowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Cool-season annual that can be direct sown as soon as soil can be worked. Spring sowing suits Southeast Michigan well.
Germination: Seeds require light; sow on the surface or cover only very shallowly and keep moist.
Harvest: Harvest flower heads when fully open; pick frequently and dry promptly for tea.
Seed Saving: Allow some flower heads to fully dry on the plant; tiny seeds self-sow readily.
Special Care: German chamomile is annual; do not confuse it with perennial Roman chamomile.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/chamomile/chamomile-key-growing-information.html — German/common chamomile 10-14 day germination, direct sowing, light requirement and spacing
Research Source: NCCIH — https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile — established herbal and medicinal use of chamomile
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]