PRODUCT DESCRIPTION German Chamomile Seeds Matricaria recutita German Chamomile is a delicate herb that contains both ornamental and culinary qualities. German Chamomile is most famously used in the brewing of tea, but is also routinely used in shampoos and other cosmetic products. Also used as an ornamental ground cover. FAST FACTS Name: Chamomile Seeds - German Botanical Name: Matricaria recutita Life Cycle: Annual Light Requirement: Full Sun Planting Season: Spring Plant Type: Bush Features: Heirloom, Culinary, Medicinal, Outdoor, Indoor Days to Maturity: 60-90 Days Plant Spacing: 6 inches Planting Depth: 1/4 inch Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow Cold Stratification: YES Ships: Year Round PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS: GERMAN CHAMOMILE How to Grow German Chamomile WHEN TO PLANT CHAMOMILE SEEDS Direct sow Chamomile seeds in late Fall, after the first killing frost, so that seeds can naturally cold stratify. For Spring planting, start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the final frost date. If planting in the Spring, sowing Chamomile seeds outdoors will likely have a weaker germination. The optimal temperature for Chamomile to germinate is 65F. 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 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 2-4 inches. If growing indoors, be mindful that Chamomile plants do not like to be transplanted after having their first blooms. HOW TO HARVEST CHAMOMILE Harvest the Chamomile flower once it is fully open. The flower can be used either fresh, or it's a good candidate for use dry as well. Leaves can be harvested in late Spring through early summer, and likewise are useful fresh or dried.