How to Grow Chamomile

German vs Roman chamomile

Choose based on habit: German chamomile is a taller annual grown mainly for abundant flowers, while Roman chamomile is a perennial groundcover. Both are grown for their apple-scented blooms.

• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita): annual, upright, self-seeding, heavy flower production.
• Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): perennial, low and spreading, used as a scented groundcover or lawn alternative.

Planting and harvesting

Give full sun and well-drained soil; raise German chamomile in a bed if the ground stays moist. Harvest flowers as they open and dry them away from direct sun.

→ For any culinary or medicinal use, consult authoritative sources; this guide covers growing only.

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.

• University of Illinois at Chicago Heritage Garden — German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) — German chamomile is an annual grown in full sun and well-drained soil, harvested for its flowers.

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