Growing chamomile (German vs Roman)

Two plants are sold as chamomile, and they are not the same. German chamomile (*Matricaria chamomilla*, also written *M. recutita*) is a self-seeding annual grown primarily for its flower heads, which are used to make the familiar chamomile tea. Roman chamomile (*Chamaemelum nobile*) is a.

—- title: "Growing chamomile (German vs Roman)" slug: growing-chamomile hub: vegetables category: "Herb guide" description: "How to grow German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), their differences in habit and flavor, and how to harvest for tea." date: 2026-06-10 updated: 2026-06-10 author: "Thomas A." reading_time: 9 scientific: "Matricaria chamomilla" zones_min: 3 zones_max: 9 sun: "full sun" —-

Two plants are sold as chamomile, and they are not the same. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, also written M. recutita) is a self-seeding annual grown primarily for its flower heads, which are used to make the familiar chamomile tea. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing perennial used as a ground cover or lawn substitute, with double-flowered forms prized for their ornamental value. Their care requirements overlap substantially, but they are distinct plants for different purposes.

I don't grow either chamomile at my Long Island plot. This guide is sourced from Extension publications.

Identification: German vs Roman

Per NC State Extension:

The key identification test: cut a German chamomile flower head in half. The receptacle (the central cone) is hollow. Roman chamomile's receptacle is solid. Per Penn State Extension, this is the reliable identification marker.

USDA hardiness zones

Per NC State Extension:

• German chamomile: Annual in all zones. Grows as a cool-season crop in zones 8-11 (fall sowing), warm-season crop in zones 3-7 (spring sowing).
• Roman chamomile: Hardy perennial in zones 4-9 per Missouri Botanical Garden.

Light requirements

Per Penn State Extension, both chamomiles prefer full sun (6+ hours). German chamomile tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers and more elongated stems. Roman chamomile used as ground cover performs in partial shade but spreads more slowly and has fewer flowers.

Sowing German chamomile

Per Penn State Extension, direct sow German chamomile in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. It is one of the few herbs that can be sown with snow on the ground — seeds need cold stratification and will germinate naturally when conditions warm. Scatter seeds on the soil surface; do not cover (light is required for germination). Thin to 6-8 inches apart.

Alternatively, sow in late summer for fall harvest in zones 6-9.

German chamomile self-seeds so reliably that after one planting it typically returns without intervention.

Planting Roman chamomile

Per Missouri Botanical Garden, Roman chamomile is typically planted from transplants or divisions 12-18 inches apart (as ground cover, 6-12 inches apart). It can be started from seed but seed germination is variable. The non-flowering cultivar 'Treneague' is used specifically for chamomile lawns and must be propagated vegetatively.

Watering

Per Penn State Extension, both chamomiles prefer moderate moisture. Water at 1 inch per week. German chamomile tolerates brief dry spells once established. Roman chamomile as ground cover needs consistent moisture, especially during establishment.

Both are susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained or consistently wet soil.

Soil requirements

Per NC State Extension, chamomile grows best in:

• Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• pH 5.6-7.5
• Lean to average organic matter content

German chamomile is famously adaptable to poor soils — it naturalizes in disturbed areas and roadsides across Europe. Roman chamomile has similar adaptability but benefits from better soil preparation as a ground cover.

Fertilizing

Per Penn State Extension, chamomile needs minimal fertilization. German chamomile growing in average soil needs no supplemental fertilizer. Roman chamomile benefits from a light compost top-dressing in early spring to maintain density as ground cover.

Harvesting German chamomile flowers

Per Penn State Extension, timing the harvest is important for both yield and quality:

• Harvest when petals have just reflexed backward (bent down from the central disk) but before they begin to droop and wither
• This is the peak essential oil content stage
• Harvest by hand (pulling individual flower heads) or with a chamomile rake (a wide-toothed harvesting tool)
• Harvest in the morning after dew dries
• Expect multiple harvests from a single planting — flowers are produced over 4-6 weeks

Drying: Spread flower heads in a single layer on a screen or cloth in a warm (80°F), dark, well-ventilated space. Dry for 1-2 weeks. Store in airtight glass containers; flavor is best within 12 months.

Pests and diseases

Per UC IPM:

Aphids: Common on new growth and flower buds. Control with water spray or insecticidal soap.

Downy mildew: Yellowish patches on upper leaf surfaces with gray sporulation below. Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering.

Botrytis (gray mold): Fuzzy gray growth on flowers and stems in cool, humid conditions. Remove affected parts; improve air circulation.

**Chamomile moth (Cochylis atricapitana):** Larvae feed on flowers in Europe; less common but reported in North American gardens. Handpick; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis (BT spray)) is effective per UC IPM.

Common problems

Frequently asked questions

Which chamomile should I grow for tea? Per Penn State Extension, German chamomile (M. chamomilla) is the standard for chamomile tea. It has higher concentrations of the key aromatic compounds (α-bisabolol, chamazulene) than Roman chamomile. Roman chamomile is used medicinally and in some herbal preparations, but German chamomile is the tea-specific choice.

Is chamomile tea safe to drink? Per Penn State Extension, chamomile tea made from M. chamomilla flowers has a long history of safe use in culinary quantities. People with allergies to other Asteraceae family members (ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies) may have cross-reactive allergies to chamomile. Consult a physician before using chamomile medicinally or in high doses.

Will German chamomile take over my garden? Per NC State Extension, German chamomile self-seeds prolifically but is not invasive in the biological sense. Seedlings pull easily when small, and the plant does not spread vegetatively. Manage spread by deadheading after harvest and cultivating seedlings from unwanted areas in early spring when they are 1-2 inches tall.

Can I grow chamomile in a container? Per Missouri Botanical Garden, German chamomile can be grown in containers 8-10 inches deep with good drainage. Use well-draining potting mix. Container plants need more frequent watering (every 2-3 days in summer). Re-sow each year or allow to self-seed into adjacent containers.

Recommended gear: Best BT Spray: Bacillus thuringiensis for Caterpillar Control — our buyer's guide covering picks for every budget, ranked by Extension publication consensus and personal use.

Sources

1. NC State Extension — Matricaria chamomilla
2. Penn State Extension — Herbs
3. Missouri Botanical Garden — Chamaemelum nobile
4. UC IPM — Herb pests