Fertilizer for Chamomile: NPK Guide and Application Rates
Chamomile is one of the lightest-feeding herbs, thriving in poor to average soil with virtually no supplemental nutrition. Purdue University Extension notes that chamomile grown in rich, fertile soil tends to produce excessive foliage with fewer flowers, which is counterproductive since the flowers are the harvestable crop for tea. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual that self-seeds prolifically, while Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial ground cover.
Quick Reference
What NPK Ratio is Best for Chamomile?
The recommended NPK ratio for chamomile is 5-5-5. A balanced 5-5-5 feeds all three macronutrients equally, which works well when soil tests show no single deficiency.
Chamomile NPK needs shift at each growth stage. Very light feeding for delicate seedlings during the Seedling phase, then continue light feeding through bloom for continuous harvest once flowering begins.
NPK by Growth Stage for Chamomile
| Growth Stage | NPK Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling | 5N 5P 5K N 5% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 5% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 5% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Very light feeding for delicate seedlings |
| Vegetative | 5N 5P 5K N 5% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 5% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 5% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Minimal balanced feeding during foliage development |
| Flowering | 5N 5P 5K N 5% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 5% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 5% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Continue light feeding through bloom for continuous harvest |
| Fruiting | 0N 0P 0K N 0% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 0% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 0% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Stop feeding for German chamomile allowing self-seeding |
When Should You Fertilize Chamomile?
In zone 3, start fertilizing chamomile in May. In zone 9, begin as early as February. Apply every 8 weeks through the growing season.
Which Zones Can Grow Chamomile?
Chamomile grows in USDA zones 3 through 9, spanning a 7-zone range.
Fertilization Start by Zone
| Zone | Start Month |
|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May |
| Zone 4 | May |
| Zone 5 | April |
| Zone 6 | April |
| Zone 7 | March |
| Zone 8 | March |
| Zone 9 | February |
What Are the Best Fertilizer Products for Chamomile?
Look for products with an NPK close to 5-5-5. Espoma Plant-tone is the most popular choice among home gardeners for chamomile.
- Espoma Plant-tone
- Compost tea
- Diluted fish emulsion
Prices vary by retailer and region. Check current pricing before purchasing.
Container and Raised Bed Adjustments for Chamomile
German chamomile in 3+ gallon containers; feed very lightly every 6 weeks or top-dress with compost
Common Fertilizing Mistakes with Chamomile
- Fertilizing chamomile like a vegetable, which produces leafy plants with very few flowers.
- Confusing German (upright annual) and Roman (mat-forming perennial) chamomile growing habits.
- Overwatering, which promotes fungal diseases and root rot in chamomile's fine root system.
- Failing to harvest flowers regularly, which signals the plant to stop producing new blooms.
Tips for Fertilizing Chamomile
- Apply little to no fertilizer; chamomile produces the most flowers in lean soil.
- German chamomile is annual and self-seeds generously; allow some flowers to go to seed.
- Harvest flowers when petals begin to fold back for maximum essential oil content.
- Roman chamomile makes an excellent low-growing ground cover between stepping stones.
Organic Fertilizer Alternatives for Chamomile
Sources
Source:Purdue University ExtensionLast updated: