General
Two very dissimilar plants go by the name Chamomile. The annual form is known as German Chamomile, and grown for its aromatic and medicinal flowers and leaves. The perennial form, known as Roman Chamomile, is a small and spreading perennial grown as an ornamental.
Latin
German Chamomile: Matricaria recutita.
Asteraceae family.
Roman Chamomile: Chamaemelum nobile.
Asteraceae family.
Difficulty
Easy.
Season & Zone
Season: Warm season.
Exposure: Sun to part-shade.
Zone: Roman Chamomile: Hardy from zone 5 to 8. German Chamomile: All.
Plant Type
German Chamomile: Annual (A)
Roman Chamomile: Perennial (P)
Planting Seeds
Start seeds in the Spring, either indoors or outdoors. Seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days.
Preparing Soil
Plant seeds in well-drained and warm soil in a sunny spot in the garden.
Planting
German Chamomile: Is grown to harvest the flowers for their medicinal properties. Set the transplants or thin seedlings to stand 15cm (6") apart.
Roman Chamomile: Is a lightly scented perennial ground cover with tiny white flowers to brighten the lawn or a novelty bed.
Diseases & Pests
None.
Harvest
Harvest the small, sweet smelling flowers when they are fully open. Use the petals fresh or dry. The leaves can be gathered in the Spring to early Summer and used fresh or dry.
Companion Plants
Cabbage, Onion.
