German chamomile care guide
Matricaria chamomilla
Also known as: Chamomile, Wild chamomile
Pets and children
Caution advised
Reported to cause vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation in dogs and cats that eat it; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water German chamomile
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- In spring growth, water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; drying out during bloom makes the flowers small.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Fall-sown seedlings are growing, so water once the soil is dry, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- A small overwintering plant dries slowly, so water a day or two after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for German chamomile
Generally likes a sunny, airy spot outdoors as the guide; aphids gather during spring bloom, so keep the air moving and thin crowded stems.
Overwintering German chamomile
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Fall-sown plants are hardy and generally overwinter outdoors as a guide, sitting as small rosettes until they shoot up in spring; a cover on freezing nights limits damage.
Fertilizing and repotting German chamomile
Fertilizer
Needs little: a bit of slow-release fertilizer at planting and diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month in spring, as a guide; too much gives leaves instead of flowers.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with German chamomile
- Aphids swarm the plant at flowering and spoil the blooms.
- Being an annual, it dies in the rainy-season and summer heat.
- Spring-sown plants stay small and finish flowering early.
Tips for growing German chamomile
- Sow in fall and overwinter it; by spring it is a big plant with many flowers.
- Pick flowers two or three days after they open and dry them for tea.
- It self-seeds readily, so leave a few flowers and it returns the next year.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
