Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla / Chamaemelum nobile) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Chamomile (German chamomile = Matricaria chamomilla; Roman chamomile = Chamaemelum nobile)

2. Scientific Name: Matricaria chamomilla / Chamaemelum nobile

3. Family: Asteraceae

4. Origin: Native to Europe and Western Asia; now naturalized worldwide

5. Zone Hardiness: German: USDA Zones 3–9 as annual; Roman: Zones 4–8 perennial

6. Light Requirements: Full sun best; tolerates partial shade, especially in heat

7. Water Needs: Moderate; ~1 inch/week, drought-tolerant once established

8. Soil Preferences: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil; pH ~5.6–7.5

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
   • Aquaponics: Very compatible
   • Aeroponics: Compatible
   • Hydroponics: Compatible
   • Preferred Method: Media bed or vertical systems; requires cooler temps (<85 °F)

10. Growth Habit:

    • German: Erect annual ~15–60 cm tall

    • Roman: Low, spreading perennial groundcover ~20–30 cm tall

11. Height & Spread:

    • German: 15–60 cm tall

    • Roman: ~10–16″ tall and 8–12″ spread

12. Time from Germination to Harvest:

    • German blooms in ~50–65 days; flower development ~20–25 days post-emergence

    • Roman blooms in summer (June–July), seeds ripen by late summer

13. Flowering Time: German: early to midsummer with multiple flushes; Roman: summer to fall

14. Edible Parts: Dried or fresh flower heads; Roman leaves are also used

15. Medicinal Uses: Traditionally calming, antispasmodic, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing; essential oil used aromatically

16. Companion Plants: Grows well with most herbs; good in pollinator gardens and as lawn groundcover

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Susceptible to aphids, fungal diseases (mildew, rust); proper spacing, airflow help

18. Harvest Time: Pick flower heads at full bloom; dry in shade with good airflow; store in airtight containers

19. Propagation Methods:

    • German: direct-seed in spring/fall

    • Roman: seed or division; self-seeds readily and spreads by stolons

20. Sustainability Features: Supports pollinators; Roman can be used as lawn alternative; low-input, self-seeding, groundcover

21. Culinary Uses: Flowers in tea, beverages, ales; petals in baked goods, salads, soups; Roman used as lawn seating plant

22. Fun Fact: Named from Greek for "earth apple" due to apple-like aroma; Roman used in Elizabethan “chamomile seats”

Bodegold (Matricaria chamomilla 'Bodegold')
Flavor Profile: Sweet, fruity, pineapple-apple aroma and taste.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for soothing teas, tonics, infusions, and topical tinctures.
Notes: High-yield German chamomile; large, uniform flowers on 1–2′ upright stems; abundant essential oils 
Planting Tip: Direct-sow in early spring or fall; thin seedlings to 12″ apart; thrives in full sun with light, well-drained soil .
Days to Maturity: ~70–90 days (first blooms), with continuous flowering .

Flore Pleno (Chamaemelum nobile 'Flore Pleno')
Flower Profile: Creamy-white, fully double, pom‑pom blooms.
Culinary Uses: Edible flowers for tea or potpourri; highly fragrant foliage.
Notes: Double‑flowered Roman chamomile; forms evergreen groundcover to ~6″ tall; great for edging or lawn alternatives .
Planting Tip: Plant from plugs or divisions; prefers sunny, well-drained, dry conditions; trim after blooming to maintain compact habit .
Days to Maturity: First blooms in ~60 days; perennial with summer flowering .

Treneague (Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague')
Flower Profile: Non-flowering selection with aromatic foliage only.
Culinary Uses: Primarily ornamental/groundcover; foliage may be lightly used in teas.
Notes: Low-growing Roman chamomile at ~2–4″ tall; forms dense mat; ideal for "chamomile lawn" without flowers .
Planting Tip: Plant plugs or divisions in spring; thin spacing to 4–8″ for mat formation; no mowing required .
Days to Maturity: Establishing groundcover within ~60 days; perennial for long-term use .