German

Family: Asteraceae Herb

Aromatic and honeyed from the first open bloom, German chamomile fills the garden with a soft, apple-like fragrance and a gentle, golden warmth.

Expect dainty, daisy-like flowers with bright, sunlit centers and feathery, finely divided foliage that lends an airy texture to beds and borders. Grow for abundant blossoms—ideal for drying and for soothing infusions and fragrant blends.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

German chamomile is built for gentle extraction: the flavor reads floral and honeyed, but it can turn papery/bitter if you over-steep. Use light steep times and it shines in honey-lemon infusions or as a fragrant, drying-friendly tea.

Best Uses

single-varietal hot or iced infusion
drying for steepable winter teas
blending into soothing herbal tea mixes
floral garnish on desserts (light, not overpowering)

Flavor Profile

soft apple-like aromatics honeyed, floral perfume mildly bitter herbal finish delicate, tea-friendly body

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey ginger vanilla milk apple

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and how can I treat it at home?

A common issue is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid spells. Remove and discard the worst foliage, improve airflow by spacing plants well in full sun, and water the soil (not the leaves) so foliage dries quickly. If mildew persists, use a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur-based fungicide according to the product directions.

How often should I water German chamomile during its main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) to dry slightly between waterings. Water deeply enough to wet the root zone, then slow down if the soil stays damp, because German chamomile is prone to root stress in waterlogged beds. In full sun, this often works out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week from rainfall plus irrigation, adjusted for your soil and weather.

How do I know when German chamomile is ready to harvest (Matricaria chamomilla)?

Harvest when the flowers are fully open and the white ray florets are horizontal (not drooping), typically around 70 days after sowing. For the best flavor and drying quality, pick in the morning after dew has dried so buds and heads don’t store extra moisture. Continue harvesting regularly while new heads open to keep plants producing.