FlowerChamomile
Roman Chamomile
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.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/chamomile-roman)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
4-4
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Light Loam; Tolerates Poor Soils
Preferred Temp55-75°F
Growth Stats
10 in
Height
12 in
Width
PeriodPerennial
TypeCreeping
Spacing
8-12 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
4-4
Size
10in H x 12in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
Low
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Highlights
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.
Common Uses
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.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Spring
First Harvest
Early Summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
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 Outdoors
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
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date. Barely cover seeds with soil, pressing them gently into contact with the soil surface.
Harvesting
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.
Pruning
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.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Attracts Pollinators
Soil pH Range
5.8 – 7.5
Bloom Time
Summer To Fall
Scientific Classification
Anthemis L.
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Anthemis
History & Origin
“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.”