How To Grow Chamomile In Your Herb & Flower Garden

Fertilization and Seed Propagation

If growing from seed, prepare for a fun time. It’s important to note right off the bat that transplants work far more efficiently than directly sown seeds.

Growing your chamomile seeds indoors prior to popping them into the ground is the most effective, trusted method for growth.

Start seeds six to eight weeks before the expected final frost date; I always shoot for that middle ground and start seeds at seven weeks.

The seeds require light and warmth to germinate at their fullest potential, so simply pop them on top of a seed starting medium. There is no need to cover the seeds with any of the growing medium.

Like most seeds, it’s ideal to plant a small group in each cell of a seed tray. When the seedlings reach a height of one to two inches, cut back the weakest plants so that the strongest seedling alone remains in the cell.

Chamomile specifically enjoys being placed in a sunny window, but will grow under grow lights; make sure to give the seedlings no more than 16 hours of light a day. They require a full 8 hours of “rest” from light.

Use fluorescent lights, because incandescent lighting can be too intense for young seedlings. If you place your seeds in natural light (like I do), make sure to rotate them every few days so they do not grow too far in one direction.

Fertilize seedlings when they are about three months old, but only use half of the recommended amount that your preferred fertilizer suggests on the label.

One of the reasons I love chamomile is that it is a plant that seems to thrive on neglect. That predilection for being left alone means it has little need for fertilizer.

Roman Chamomile Seeds

If you’re going to grow your chamomile from seed, it’s always best to buy from a reputable vendor.

You can find Roman chamomile available from True Leaf Market in 1/4-ounce, 1-ounce, and 4-ounce packages.

And you can find of German chamomile seeds in packets of 100 available from Earthbeat Seeds.

German Chamomile Seeds

Once transplanted, chamomile still doesn’t need much of a boost in the fertilizer department. It responds best to a springtime treatment and intermittent feeding during the growing season.

Fertilizers higher in nitrogen are more beneficial; chamomile’s weak root system has little use for phosphorus in its development.