30,000 German Chamomile Seeds (Matricaria chamomilla)

German Chamomile Seed Germination & Seedling FAQ

Why aren't my German chamomile seeds germinating?

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) seeds need light to germinate. Scatter them on the surface of moist, well-draining seed-starting mix and press gently for soil contact. Do not bury them. Keep the surface consistently moist, not waterlogged. In suitable warm conditions, emergence is often within about a week, but timing varies.

My chamomile seeds sprouted, but the seedlings stopped growing. What should I check?

1. Light: Check whether the seedlings receive adequate bright light; adjust grow lights or the growing position as needed.
2. Moisture: Avoid both a dried-out surface and constantly saturated soil.
3. Drainage: Use a free-draining seed-starting mix and a container with drainage holes.
4. Airflow: Provide gentle ventilation and avoid persistently damp conditions around stems.

If seedlings collapse at the soil line, consider damping-off rather than assuming they simply need fertilizer. Symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.

Should I fertilize slow-growing chamomile seedlings?

Not automatically. Check light, moisture and drainage first. German chamomile does not usually require heavy fertilization.

Is German chamomile the same as Roman chamomile?

No. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is generally grown as an annual; Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial. This listing is for German chamomile seeds, not live plants.

Growing references: University of Wisconsin Extension and Montana State University.