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German Giant

Family: Asteraceae Herb
Zone 13a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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Fragrant and honeyed from the first open bloom, German Giant chamomile fills the garden with a warm, apple-like perfume and a soft, floral sweetness.

Expect generous, daisy-like flowers with crisp, feathery texture and a calming, aromatic presence that’s prized for steeping and soothing infusions. A standout for herb beds and borders, this vigorous selection rewards attentive growers with abundant harvest-ready heads over a steady season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of German Giant

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Crop Dates : 13a

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 10th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

German Giant chamomile is all about that first-bloom fragrance—soft, sweet, and apple-hued—so steep briefly and strain aggressively to keep the cups clean and perfumed rather than bitter. Use it as a flavor “top note” (tea, syrups, custards) where its floral lift can stay intact.

Best Uses

  • single-origin chamomile tea infusions
  • steam-fresh bouquet for honeyed iced tea and spritzers
  • floral steeping for custards and panna cotta (strain well)
  • finishing drizzle flavoring in honey-lemon syrups

Flavor Profile

honeyed floral sweetness warm apple-like aroma lightly grassy, crisp-tea bitterness delicate, perfumed mouthfeel

Kitchen Pairings

honey lemon vanilla milk or cream ginger

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), and how can I prevent it?
German chamomile most often suffers from powdery mildew when plants are crowded and airflow is poor. Water at the base and space seedlings so leaves dry quickly after morning dew, then remove badly affected leaves early to slow spread. If mildew appears, spray with a labeled potassium bicarbonate or horticultural sulfur product and repeat as directed on the label.
How often should I water Matricaria chamomilla during its main growing phase?
During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for light, frequent watering so the top 1 inch stays lightly damp. Once established, water when the surface starts to dry, typically every few days in warm weather, since German chamomile prefers moisture without waterlogging.
How do I know when German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the flower centers are fully open and the yellow disk florets are at peak bloom, not when they are closed or past their prime. For best quality, pick on dry mornings and use immediately, or dry the flowers quickly in a well-ventilated area out of direct sun.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For German chamomile, keep seedlings lightly misted and avoid covering seed too deep—surface sowing helps even germination.