German chamomile - Seeds

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as German chamomile or common chamomile, is an annual herb highly appreciated in gardens and home plots for its sweet, soothing fragrance. It forms light, well-branched clumps with thin stems and deeply divided leaves that give it an ethereal look. Its flowers, small white daisies with a conical yellow center that becomes hollow as they mature, bloom over a long period and attract many pollinators.

Beyond its ornamental charm, chamomile has traditionally been used to prepare mild, fragrant infusions made from its dried flowers, a practice passed down through generations and one of the reasons it is so common in home gardens.

How to sow the seeds

Chamomile seeds are extremely small and require light to germinate, so they must not be buried. To sow them, prepare a light, well-drained substrate, moisten it slightly, and sprinkle the seeds over the surface. Press them gently with your hand or a small board to ensure good contact with the substrate without covering them. Keep the moisture constant using fine misting, and place the tray in a bright, mild-temperature location. Germination is usually quick.

You can also sow directly outdoors once temperatures are mild, using the same surface-sowing method and keeping the soil moist until seedlings emerge. However, the seed tray method is generally preferred because it offers better control and more reliable results.