German Chamomile: Versatile Herb for Tea, Medicine, and Beauty
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a charming annual herb that matures in just 6-8 weeks, producing an abundance of daisy-like flowers with white petals and bright yellow centers. This fast-growing plant reaches heights of 15-60 centimeters, creating a bushy appearance that’s both ornamental and functional. Originating from Europe and Western Asia, German Chamomile has been revered for centuries, with ancient Saxons considering it one of nine sacred herbs.
Renowned for its versatility, German Chamomile is primarily cultivated for its flowers, which are widely used in herbal teas, traditional medicine, and cosmetics. The plant’s essential oil, containing chamazulene and bisabolol, offers anti-inflammatory and calming properties. As an ornamental, its delicate flowers and feathery foliage make it an attractive ground cover or border plant, while also serving as a natural pest repellent in vegetable gardens.
German Chamomile thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.6 to 7.5. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. The flowers are typically ready for harvest when fully open, usually from early to mid-summer, and can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Growing Success Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden shortly before the last spring frost date
- Keep soil consistently moist during early growth stages
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once plants are established
- Harvest flowers when fully open for the best flavor and medicinal properties
German Chamomile offers a wealth of benefits for minimal effort, making it an excellent addition to any herb garden, tea collection, or natural medicine cabinet. Its pleasant apple-like scent and ability to self-seed ensure you’ll enjoy its presence year after year.
For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every few weeks throughout the growing season.
Product Features
- Annual herb with daisy-like flowers
- Mature height: 15-60 cm (6-24 inches)
- Bloom time: June to August
- Aromatic with apple-like fragrance
- Hardiness: Annual, USDA zones 2-8
- Growth rate: Fast to moderate
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Water use: Average, drought-tolerant when established
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam, pH 5.6-7.5
Key Benefits
- Versatile use in teas, medicine, and cosmetics
- Natural pest repellent in vegetable gardens
- Low-maintenance and self-seeding
- Attractive ornamental ground cover
