Chamomile is a delightful herb that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. With its dainty white flowers and apple-like scent, it’s no wonder chamomile has been valued for centuries for its medicinal and culinary uses. If you’re interested in growing your own chamomile, you likely want to know – how long does it take for chamomile seeds to germinate?
An Overview of Chamomile
There are two main types of chamomile grown: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is an annual herb while Roman chamomile is a perennial. Both produce charming daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers.
Chamomile can be grown from seeds or transplants. Growing from seed allows you to get a large quantity of plants for a very low cost. Plus, chamomile often self-sows, giving you new plants year after year.
Germination Timeline for Chamomile Seeds
Chamomile seeds are tiny like dust, They should be planted on the soil surface and gently pressed in Chamomile needs light to germinate so do not cover the seeds,
Here is a general timeline for chamomile seed germination:
-
Days 1-7 Keep seeds consistently moist.Seeds begin to swell as they take up water
-
Days 7-14 First seedlings emerge! Seedlings appear as tiny green sprouts
-
**Days 14-21: **Seedlings grow their first true leaves.Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they reach 1 inch tall.
So in general, you can expect chamomile seeds to germinate in 1-2 weeks as long as moisture and temperature conditions are optimal.
Factors that Influence Germination Rate
Several key factors affect how quickly chamomile seeds will sprout. Here’s an overview:
-
Moisture – Chamomile seeds need consistent moisture to germinate. Water lightly every 1-2 days to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
-
Temperature – The ideal temperature range is 60-70°F. Chamomile can tolerate temperatures down to 45°F but germination will be slower.
-
Light – Chamomile requires light to germinate. Sow seeds on the soil surface and do not cover with soil.
-
Soil – A light, well-draining potting mix or seed starting mix works best. Avoid heavy, dense soils.
-
Planting Method – Direct sowing leads to quicker germination than starting indoors and transplanting.
Following the optimal conditions will ensure your chamomile seeds germinate as quickly as possible. Cooler temperatures, lack of light, or overly wet/dry conditions will delay germination.
Tips for Fast, Successful Germination
Here are some useful tips to help your chamomile seeds sprout quickly:
-
Direct sow seeds in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. This avoids transplant shock.
-
Plant in full sun. Chamomile thrives in sunny spots.
-
Prepare a smooth seedbed free of clumps and debris. This ensures good seed-to-soil contact.
-
Water in the morning to allow time for surface moisture to dissipate before night.
-
Use a mister to keep seeds moist if sowing indoors. Avoid flooding young seedlings.
-
Cover seeded trays/pots with plastic to retain moisture. Remove once seedlings emerge.
-
Provide bottom heat of 65-70°F to nurture warmth-loving chamomile seeds.
Follow these tips and your chamomile seeds should germinate within the expected 1-2 week window, or perhaps even faster.
What to Do if Seeds Don’t Germinate
Sometimes chamomile seeds fail to germinate for various reasons. If this happens, try the following troubleshooting tips:
-
Check seeds didn’t get washed away or dry out. Reseed if needed.
-
Gently scratch the soil surface to improve seed-soil contact.
-
Move pots/trays to a warmer area around 70°F.
-
Try bottom heat if indoor temperatures are cool.
-
Make sure seeded trays/pots receive ample sunlight.
-
Consider soaking seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting.
-
Scout for signs of fungal diseases like damping off and treat if found.
-
Purchase fresh seeds from a reputable source and re-test viability.
With a little TLC and ideal growing conditions, chamomile seeds can quickly transform into a lively patch of delicate blooms and fragrant foliage. Just be patient, provide consistent moisture and sunlight, and enjoy these charming blossoms all season long.
Frequency of Entities
germinate: 16
chamomile: 15
seeds: 14
soil: 5
light: 4
moisture: 4
temperature: 4
water: 3
seedlings: 3
days: 3
sow: 3
grow: 2
plant: 2
flower: 2
Where to Plant Chamomile Seeds
Chamomile usually thrives best with full sun exposure, but it can tolerate partial shade as well. In hotter climates, partial shade is advisable for your chamomile. For best flowering, plant chamomile in rich, organic soil that is well-drained. While chamomile can grow in poorer soil, it will usually mean droopier stems as a result.
How to Plant Chamomile Seeds
Chamomile seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.
Sow your seeds directly onto the surface of the soil, and firmly compress. Do not cover your chamomile seeds as they require sunlight in order to germinate. Once seedlings are approximately an inch tall, thin out to one plant every two to four inches. If you are growing chamomile indoors, keep in mind that the plants don’t like being moved after their first blooms.
How to Grow Chamomile From Seed (And Make Your Own Tea)
FAQ
Why are my chamomile seeds not germinating?
Do I need to soak chamomile seeds before planting?
Does chamomile need heat to germinate?
Will chamomile come back every year?
How long does it take chamomile seeds to grow?
Upon each disc, or seed head, an abundance of chamomile seeds are produced, which germinate within seven to ten days when exposed to adequate soil, sunlight, and water. When seeds are left on the plant to mature and spread naturally, one chamomile plant can quickly turn into a lovely patch of chamomile.
How do you grow German chamomile?
German chamomile spreads easily by self-seeding. Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last expected frost. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so scatter them and press them firmly onto the soil, but do not cover the seeds with soil. Water regularly, and they should germinate in seven to 14 days.
How do you grow chamomile seeds?
In the garden or as a lawn substitute, chamomile seeds need only be scattered over loose soil and gently tamped down. Germination can occur in temperatures as low as 45 to 55 degrees F. (7-13 C.) in full sun to part shade. Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
When to plant chamomile?
Plant them into the garden after the last frost is over. Though an annual that will only survive for one year, chamomile will readily seed itself. That means you can have an ongoing patch of chamomile if you let some of the blossoms go to seed rather than picking them all.
When can I start chamomile seeds indoors?
You can start your chamomile seeds indoors for later transplant, about 6 weeks before you are expecting the last frost of the winter. Start them in seed pots but don’t bury the seeds under the soil.
How long do chamomile seeds last?
Shake the seeds loose and store them in a cool, dry place. Use them within three to four years. There are about 25 species in the chamomile genus Matricaria, including German chamomile and wild chamomile (Matricaria discoidea).