Roman chamomile is a low-growing evergreen perennial that spreads across the ground like a fragrant living carpet, reaching just 3 to 6 inches tall but spreading 6 to 12 inches wide. From June through September, delicate daisy-like flowers with white petals and cheerful yellow centers emerge above finely-dissected, fern-like foliage that releases a fruity scent when brushed. Hardy in zones 4 through 9, this mat-forming herb tolerates drought once established and thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it surprisingly adaptable to many garden conditions.
9
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-9
6in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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The fern-like foliage alone makes chamomile a visual standout, but the real character emerges when you brush against it and catch that distinctive fruity aroma. It spreads by creeping stems that root as they travel, building dense mats year after year without demanding much attention. In cool summer climates especially, it'll reward you with continuous summer blooms and the ability to handle being mowed like a lawn if you want a living ground cover that actually tolerates light foot traffic.
The dried flower heads are steeped into chamomile tea, one of the most beloved herbal teas for its calming properties and gentle flavor. Fresh flowers can also be used in teas, and the aromatic foliage makes chamomile attractive as a ground cover or lawn substitute in garden spaces where its creeping growth habit becomes an asset rather than a liability.
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Start seeds indoors in a warm location with temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds on the soil surface or barely press them into soil, as they benefit from light for germination. Begin seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost to have established seedlings ready for transplanting.
Transplant seedlings or divisions outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed. Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart if establishing a ground cover or lawn substitute. Chamomile establishes quickly and can begin spreading within its first growing season.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost, pressing them lightly into well-prepared, well-draining soil. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge and establish, typically within 1 to 2 weeks at temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harvest chamomile flowers when they are fully open and bright with fresh appearance, typically from mid-June through September. Pinch or cut the flower heads in the morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day, when their essential oils are most concentrated. Dry the flower heads completely in a warm, airy location away from direct sunlight before storing for tea. Repeated harvesting encourages the plant to produce more flowers throughout the growing season.
Chamomile spreads by creeping stems that root as they grow, and it tolerates regular mowing if grown as a lawn substitute. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming throughout the season, though this is optional for a more naturalized look. If the plant becomes too aggressive or overgrows its designated space, simply trim or dig back the spreading stems in spring or fall.
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