Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
family
Asteraceae
Difficulty factors: Forgiving of beginner mistakes, Short time to harvest
duration
Annual
growth habit
Forb
why learn this plant?
Chamomile is excellent for learning herb cultivation — it teaches you about pruning for bushier growth, harvesting without damaging the plant, and preserving fresh herbs.
timeline
germination
7-14
days to maturity
60-65
growth stages
Germination/Establishment
1-2 weeks
Seeds swell and sprout, or transplants establish roots
Check in:
Look for first signs of green growth emerging from soil
Tasks:
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintain temperature
- Protect from strong wind
Watch for:
- Damping off from overwatering
- Poor germination from old seed
Seedling
2-4 weeks
True leaves develop, stem strengthens
Check in:
Count true leaves — ready for transplant at 2-4 sets
Tasks:
- Thin seedlings if direct-sown
- Begin light fertilizing
- Harden off if started indoors
Watch for:
- Leggy seedlings from insufficient light
- Transplant shock
Vegetative Growth
3-8 weeks
Rapid leaf and stem growth, plant fills out
Check in:
Plant should be growing visibly each week
Tasks:
- Regular watering
- Fertilize on schedule
- Add support if needed
- Watch for pests
Watch for:
- Nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves)
- Pest damage
how to grow
starting method
direct sow
sun requirements
Full sun to partial shade
spacing
8-10 inches" × "8-10 inches"
planting depth
Surface
water needs
Frequency: Every 2-3 days
Amount: 1 inch per week
Method: Drip irrigation or soaker hose preferred. Water at base, avoid wetting leaves.
soil & fertilizer
Amend with compost. Preferred pH: 6.0-7.0. Soil type: Well-drained, fertile soil.
At planting: Balanced 10-10-10 or compost
During growth: Light feeding — too much fertilizer reduces flavor every Every 2-4 weeks during growing season
zone timing guide
Best grown when temperatures are 60-80°F. Plant after last frost in spring.
Zone 3
Start indoors: April
Transplant: Late May-June
Short growing season, choose early varieties
Zone 4-5
Start indoors: March-April
Transplant: May-June
Direct sow: May
Zone 6-7
Start indoors: February-March
Transplant: April-May
Direct sow: April-May
Zone 8-9
Start indoors: January-February
Transplant: March-April
Direct sow: March
Zone 10+
Direct sow: February-March
Year-round growing possible
harvest guide
Visual cue
Mature size reached, typical color for variety. Harvest when chamomile looks ready.
Feel
Firm but not hard. Should separate from plant easily.
Timing
Typically 60-65 days from planting
Storage
Fresh: wrap in damp paper towel, refrigerate. Dry: hang upside down in warm, dry area.
what can go wrong
Overwatering
Visual cue:
Yellowing lower leaves, mushy stems, mold on soil surface
Why it happens:
Too frequent watering without checking soil moisture
Prevention:
Check soil moisture before watering — stick finger 1 inch into soil
If it happens:
Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Improve drainage.
Insufficient light
Visual cue:
Leggy, stretched growth with pale leaves
Why it happens:
Planted in too much shade or crowded by other plants
Prevention:
Ensure at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
If it happens:
Transplant to sunnier location or thin surrounding plants
skill progression
skills required
- Basic soil preparation
what you'll learn
- Pruning for growth
- Herb preservation
related plants
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