German chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan German chamomile in your garden →
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German chamomile at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 80 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is German chamomile toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: flowers, leaves
Chamomile can cause stomach upset or skin irritation in cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with German chamomile
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about German chamomile
- How far apart should I plant German chamomile?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does German chamomile need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does German chamomile need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is German chamomile?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does German chamomile flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is German chamomile poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Chamomile can cause stomach upset or skin irritation in cats and dogs.
- What grows well with German chamomile?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for German chamomile. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Self-seeds freely.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
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