Medicinal & Aromatic· Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile Growing Guide

Annual herb widely cultivated for dried flower heads used in herbal teas, essential oil, and pharmaceutical preparations. German chamomile is the primary commercial species.

How Long Does Chamomile Take to Grow?

Chamomile is typically ready to harvest about 60 days after planting.

Days to Harvest

700

kg dried flowers/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

7-26°C optimal

Rainfall

400-800 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

light

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Humidity

moderate tolerance

Heat Tolerance

low

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: sandy loam, loam, clay loam

pH range: 5.5 - 6.5 (optimal: 6)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)low

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

direct seeding, broadcasting

Planting Depth

0.5 cm

Plant Spacing

20 cm apart, 30 cm rows

Planting Season

spring, fall

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

440 - 1,000 kg dried flowers/ha

Market Demand

growing

Profitability

medium

Harvests/Year

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

aphids
thrips
flea beetles

Common Diseases

powdery mildew
botrytis
damping off

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Sow seeds on the surface and press gently; chamomile requires light for germination and should not be covered deeply.

Harvest flower heads when petals begin to reflex backward for highest essential oil concentration.

Chamomile self-seeds readily; leave some flowers unharvested for natural reseeding in subsequent seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Chamomile take to grow?

Chamomile typically takes 60 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is spring, fall.

What soil does Chamomile need?

Chamomile grows best in sandy loam, loam, clay loam soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Chamomile need?

Chamomile grows best at 7-26°C. Frost tolerance: light. Heat tolerance: low.

What is the expected yield for Chamomile?

Across 10 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Chamomile range from 440 to 1,000 kg dried flowers/hectare, with a median of 700. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management. Multiple harvests per year are possible (3).