Chamomile Seeds – Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla • Asteraceae (Daisy) • Native to Southern & Eastern Europe
Chamomile Seeds grow into delicate, daisy-like flowering herbs with soft green foliage and aromatic blooms. Ideal for herb gardens, containers, cottage borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Seed Variety: Chamomile Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Chamomile Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Chamomile has very fine seeds that are easy to sow too deeply, which will prevent them from sprouting, so always press the seeds lightly onto the soil surface and avoid covering them.
Botanical profile
Meet the Chamomile – Matrica
Step-by-step planting
Growing chamomile from seed is straightforward once you understand a few key habits of this herb, and following these steps will give your seeds the conditions they need to establish well.
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1
Choose Your Timing
Sow chamomile seeds outdoors in early spring once frost risk has passed, or in autumn in mild climates where winters are not severely cold, as the seeds appreciate the natural cool and moist conditions of those seasons.
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2
Select a Sunny Spot
Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though chamomile will tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter regions without significant loss of flowering.
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3
Prepare the Soil
Chamomile prefers well-draining, moderately lean soil and actually performs poorly in heavily enriched beds, so avoid adding excessive compost or fertilizer before sowing.
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4
Sow on the Surface
Scatter the seeds thinly across the prepared soil surface and gently press them in with your palm or a flat board, as chamomile seeds require light to germinate and should not be buried.
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5
Keep the Soil Moist
Water gently with a fine mist after sowing and keep the surface consistently moist but not waterlogged until seedlings emerge, which can take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on conditions.
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6
Thin the Seedlings
Once seedlings reach a few centimeters tall, thin them to roughly 20 to 25 centimeters apart so each plant has enough air circulation and room to branch out and flower freely.
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7
Harvest at Peak Bloom
Pick the flowers when the white petals are just starting to fold back from the yellow center cone, as this is when the aromatic oils in the chamomile tea herb are at their most concentrated.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Chamomile Seeds – Matrica
Do chamomile seeds need light to germinate?
Yes, chamomile seeds are light-dependent germinators, which means they need exposure to light in order to sprout. Press them firmly onto the soil surface rather than covering them, and they will receive the light cue they need. Even a thin layer of soil can significantly reduce your germination success with herbal chamomile seeds.
How long does chamomile take to flower?
Under good conditions, chamomile planted in spring will typically begin flowering within six to ten weeks of germination. Cooler temperatures and shorter days can extend that timeline, while warm sunny weather with consistent moisture tends to speed things along. Once flowering starts, the plant will continue producing blooms for several weeks if you harvest regularly.
Can chamomile be grown in containers?
Chamomile can be grown in containers with reasonable success, provided the pot is at least 20 to 25 centimeters deep and has good drainage. Use a lean, well-draining potting mix rather than a rich peat-heavy blend, and expect container plants to dry out faster than those in the ground. A sunny balcony or windowsill can work well for a small crop of chamomile tea herb.
Is chamomile annual or perennial?
German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is an annual, meaning it completes its full life cycle in one growing season and then dies after setting seed. Roman chamomile is the perennial species and is a different plant entirely, so it is worth checking which type you are growing. The good news with German chamomile is that it self-seeds readily, so a healthy planting often returns year after year without any effort on your part.
When should I harvest chamomile flowers?
Harvest chamomile flowers when the white petals have fully opened and are just beginning to reflexback away from the yellow cone at the center. At this stage the flower is at its most fragrant and the aromatic compounds used in chamomile tea are most concentrated. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, and pick every few days to encourage the plant to keep producing new blooms.
Does chamomile self-seed every year?
German chamomile is a prolific self-seeder and will often return to the same spot year after year if you allow a few flowers to go to seed at the end of the season. The seedlings that emerge this way tend to be vigorous and well-adapted to your local conditions. If you want to control where it spreads, deadhead spent flowers before the seeds mature.
Is chamomile safe for pets?
Chamomile is considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats if consumed in significant quantities, and the ASPCA lists it as a plant that can cause digestive upset, skin irritation, or allergic reactions in some animals. While a curious nibble is unlikely to cause serious harm, it is wise to keep pets away from chamomile beds or container plantings as a precaution. If you suspect your pet has eaten a large amount of the plant, contacting a veterinarian is the sensible step.