Medicinal Chamomile
Roman Chamomile is a low-growing, frost-hardy perennial that has been treasured since ancient times for its medicinal and calming properties. Originating in North Africa and later cultivated across Europe, this heirloom variety reaches just 3-10 inches tall and spreads to 12 inches wide, creating a lush carpet of feathery foliage topped with delicate daisy-like flowers from June through November. In zones 4-9, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and will reward you with harvestable flowers within 60-69 days of planting. Its creeping, vigorous growth habit and prolific blooming make it equally at home in herb gardens, containers, or as a low border.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
10in H x 12in W
Perennial
Low
Hover over chart points for details
Roman Chamomile flowers from early summer straight through fall, attracting pollinators throughout the growing season. The plant's compact, spreading habit means it stays manageable without aggressive pruning, yet grows vigorously enough to fill garden space quickly. Its ability to flourish in zones as cold as 4 combined with modest water needs and simple care makes it one of the most reliable perennial herbs a gardener can grow.
Roman Chamomile is grown primarily for its flowers, which are harvested fresh or dried to brew into soothing tea. The flowers are traditionally used to address minor inflammation and promote relaxation, making them a cornerstone of herbal tea blends. Fresh flowers can also be added to infusions, tinctures, or simply brewed as a simple, single-herb tea; the dried flowers store well and maintain their calming properties for months.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil at approximately 70°F for reliable germination, which typically occurs within 10-14 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed and they have been gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. Space plants 8 inches apart in prepared soil enriched with compost.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date. Barely cover seeds with soil, pressing them gently into contact with the soil surface.
Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still fresh, typically 60-69 days after planting. Pick flowers in the morning after dew has dried for best flavor and potency. Pinch or cut individual flower heads just below the bloom, leaving the foliage and stems intact so the plant continues producing new flowers throughout the season.
Roman Chamomile requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, spreading growth habit. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the bloom season will encourage continued flowering and keep plants tidy, though this is optional. In spring, you can cut back any winter-damaged or overgrown stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Roman Chamomile emerged from North Africa and traveled to Europe, where it became deeply embedded in traditional herbalism and domestic gardening. Ancient cultures recognized its calming properties, and over centuries of cultivation, it became known by multiple names, Roman, English, and Russian Chamomile, reflecting its widespread adoption across different regions. This heirloom variety has survived generations of gardeners precisely because it performs so consistently and generously; families have preserved and shared seeds for its reliable ability to produce flowers year after year.”