Chamomile, a popular herb known for its calming properties and aromatic flowers, can be either a perennial or an annual, depending on the variety. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is typically grown as an annual, while Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and dyer’s chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria) are considered perennial in zones 4-7.
German chamomile, also known as wild chamomile, is an annual herb that completes its life cycle in one growing season. It is commonly grown from seed and can easily be sown directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted. German chamomile tends to self-sow vigorously, meaning that if left to its own devices, it will drop seeds that will germinate and grow new plants the following year. This self-sowing characteristic allows German chamomile to behave like a perennial in many gardens, as new plants will continue to appear year after year.
On the other hand, Roman chamomile and dyer’s chamomile are considered short-lived perennials. This means that while they have the potential to live for multiple years, they often have a relatively short lifespan and may not persist for more than a few years. In many cases, gardeners treat these chamomile varieties as annuals, either re-sowing seeds every year or allowing them to self-sow and regenerate new plants periodically.
I personally have experience growing chamomile in my garden, and I have found that both German and Roman chamomile can be relatively easy to grow from seed. I typically start the seeds indoors in early spring and then transplant them into my garden once the weather warms up. German chamomile usually blooms earlier and produces larger flowers, while Roman chamomile has smaller, daisy-like flowers and a more spreading growth habit.
Regardless of whether you choose to grow chamomile as an annual or a perennial, it is important to provide it with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Chamomile is generally not too picky about soil fertility but prefers a slightly alkaline pH. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
While German chamomile is typically grown as an annual, Roman and dyer’s chamomile can be considered perennials in certain zones. However, due to their short lifespan, they are often treated as annuals by many gardeners. Growing chamomile from seed is relatively straightforward, and the plants can self-sow to create new generations in subsequent years.
