Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) - seeds

A 0.3 gram packet, or about 1,300 seeds. They are very fine and pale.

Sow in spring on the surface, without covering: light is needed for germination. Press the seeds onto a fine substrate and keep moist by misting, at 15 to 20 °C. Germination takes one to two weeks and is generally good.

Prick out in small clumps 20 to 25 cm apart, in full sun and light, sandy, free-draining, rather acidic soil. Once established, it tolerates light foot traffic, so it can be used between paving stones or along the edge of a path.

A spreading cushion 10 to 30 cm high, with bright green foliage that stays evergreen in mild winters, from which white flower heads with a domed yellow centre emerge from June to September. The variety Flore Pleno, with fully double white flower heads, and the non-flowering form Treneague come from this species and are propagated by division rather than from seed.

It is hardy and long-lived in place, provided it does not sit in water in winter. Mowing or shearing after flowering makes it denser.

This is the historical use of this plant in English gardens: sown densely and mown high, it forms a carpet that releases its apple scent with every step. It needs more sun and less water than turf grass, and does not tolerate heavy traffic, but on a small area with sandy soil, the result is hard to match.

Matricaria (Matricaria chamomilla), known as German chamomile, is an upright annual 30 to 60 cm tall whose flower receptacle is hollow when you cut the flower head in half. Roman chamomile is perennial and mat-forming, and its receptacle is solid. This is the simplest field test to tell them apart.

Why not bury the seeds?
Because they germinate in light. It is the most common cause of failure with chamomiles.

Can it be sown to replace a lawn?
On a small, sunny, well-drained area, yes. On heavy, damp or heavily used ground, no: it will thin out.

Can the flowers be used to make an infusion?
It is a traditional use, yes, with the flower heads harvested in full bloom and dried in the shade. If you are looking for flowers ready to steep rather than seeds to sow, see our teas and infusions.

Does it survive winter?
Yes, it is hardy. What kills it is standing moisture, not cold.

Also worth exploring: our aromatic plants and all our seeds from around the world.