Back
Herb
German chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
German chamomile is a feathery annual grown for its apple-scented daisy flowers, used fresh or dried for tea. Sow in autumn or early spring; seed needs light, so press it on the surface without covering. Pick flowers as they fully open, every few days.
- SunFull sun
- Spacing20 cm apart
- First pick9–11 weeks
- FrostFrost hardy
- HeatCopes with some heat
When to plant where you live
Checking your area…
Add german chamomile to my gardenVarieties (2)
- BodegoldSelected German type with larger flowers and higher oil content
- German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)The usual tea chamomile; annual, tall and free-flowering
Neighbours
Grows well with
From seed to plate
Plant
20 cm apart. Full sun.
Water
Moderate.
Feed
None needed.
Pick, from about 9 weeks
Pick open flowers.
Good to know
- Let a few flowers set seed; it often self-sows for next year
- Dry flowers on a screen in shade, then store in a jar
- Plant near brassicas and vegetables to attract hoverflies and small wasps
Common problems
- Aphids on stemshose off; ladybirds and hoverflies usually clean them up
- Plants collapse in heatgrow in the cooler months; it finishes once summer arrives
- Leggy, floppy plantsgrow in full sun and don't overfeed
If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.
Wildlife
Good for: bees.
Safety: ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritation).
Where this information comes from
- ABC Gardening Australia fact sheets (growing, low confidence)
- Sustainable Gardening Australia: planting guides (sowing window, low confidence)
- Poisons information centre plant guidance (Australia) (toxicity, low confidence)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Chamomile (listed as toxic to dogs, cats, horses; entry is Roman chamomile) (toxicity, medium confidence, checked 27 Oct 2026)
Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 27 Oct 2026. Version 2.