German chamomile
洋甘菊 Matricaria chamomilla · Asteraceae
A small annual with a narrow harvest window: pick the flower at full open, before the centre cones and the scent fades.
Pick at the right stage
Chamomile is not a crop you strip once. The flower heads open over several weeks, and the best moment is short: petals fully open, centre still firm and yellow. Pick too early and the oil is low; leave it too long and the centre cones, the petals reflex and the flower loses the clean apple scent.
Harvest in dry weather, early in the day, and go over the patch every few days. A small comb or your fingers works better than scissors for the fragile stems. If you want seed, leave a few late flowers to ripen; if you want flowers, keep picking.
| Stage | What you see | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bud | Petals still folded | Wait |
| Full open | Petals flat, centre firm and yellow | Peak harvest |
| Coning | Centre rises into a cone; petals reflex | Still usable, lower quality |
| Brown | Petals dry or missing | Compost; do not dry |
Growing it
PFAF gives USDA zone 5–9 and describes German chamomile as an annual of sandy or loamy arable soils, preferring well-drained ground and full sun. It tolerates poor soil and actually loses scent in rich ground. Sow on the surface in spring; the seed needs light to germinate.
Press the seed into moist soil and keep it at room temperature. Thin to 15–20 cm. Water young plants, then only in prolonged drought. Chamomile self-sows readily if you leave some flowers to ripen, and the seedlings are easy to recognise.
Harvest and drying
Pick the flower heads when the petals are fully open and the centre is still yellow and firm. Harvest in dry weather, early in the day. Spread the heads in a single layer in a dark, airy room, away from direct sun; they dry quickly and should keep their colour and apple scent.
Store in an airtight jar away from light and use within a year. Do not wash the heads unless they are visibly dirty; wet flowers dry slowly and brown. Discard any heads that darken or smell musty.
- Pick fully open flowers with a firm yellow centre.
- Harvest in dry weather, early in the day.
- Dry in a single layer, in the dark.
- Store airtight and use within a year.
Identifying it
German chamomile has finely divided, thread-like leaves and small daisy flowers with white petals that reflex downwards and a hollow, cone-shaped yellow centre. The whole plant smells of apples when crushed.
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low perennial with a similar flower but a different growth habit. Both are used similarly, but they are different species and should not be confused in a garden record.
Traditional context
Chamomile is one of the most familiar herbal teas in the world, with a long history in European household practice. It is also used in cosmetics and as a companion plant in gardens.
NCCIH notes that studies have not produced sufficient reliable evidence to rate chamomile for specific conditions. It also flags allergic reactions, possible interactions with warfarin and liver-metabolised drugs, and a theoretical interaction with sedatives. This page covers growing and handling, not a dose or treatment plan.
Cautions
Safety notes for german chamomile
- Asteraceae allergy is common; avoid if you react to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or marigolds (PFAF).
- Chamomile can cause allergic reactions, including severe hypersensitivity; stop and seek help if you react (NCCIH).
- Keep flower material out of the eyes; it can cause irritation (NCCIH).
- Interactions with warfarin and some liver-metabolised drugs have been reported; ask a pharmacist before regular use (NCCIH).
- May add to the effect of sedatives; caution with sleep medication and alcohol (NCCIH).
- Chamomile may have estrogen-like effects; people with hormone-sensitive conditions should seek advice (NCCIH).
- Little is known about safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding; ask a clinician before regular use (NCCIH).
- This is horticultural information, not medical advice or a dose recommendation.
A starting point for a conversation with a qualified practitioner or pharmacist — not a diagnosis, dose or treatment plan. See the full safety page.
Questions this plant raises
Why did my chamomile not come up?
The seed needs light and steady moisture. Do not bury it; press it onto the surface and keep it damp until germination.
Does chamomile need rich soil?
No. Lean, well-drained soil produces more flowers and a stronger scent. Rich soil encourages leafy growth instead.
Can I grow it in a container?
Yes, in a pot at least 20 cm deep. Sow a pinch of seed and thin to a few plants; it does not transplant well.
Sources & further reading
Accessed for horticultural and safety context. Traditional-use statements are historical and are not evidence of effectiveness. Written and edited by the Herb Ledger editorial team. Read the editorial policy.
More flowers & flowering tops
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