(Matricaria discoidea) Fragrant, yellow-green flowers, cone-shaped and densely packed, exuding a chamomile-pineapple aroma when crushed. Fern-like leaves are sweet-scented if disturbed. Very attractive to beneficial syrphid/hoverflies, an enemy of aphids. A self-seeding 12” annual; grows readily in disturbed areas, such as the edges of garden beds, sidewalks and pathways. Harvest summer flowers. Raw flowers can be eaten fresh in salads. Steep fresh or dried flowers for a fragrant herbal tea. Dried flowers can also be used as an insect repellent.
Please note: Not available for shipment to Canada.
Growing Notes
Surface sow seeds in late fall or late spring just before last frost in a well-drained, sunny location. Germinates with warm spring rains. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the average last date of frost. Transplant outdoors at last frost date. The seeds need light to germinate; surface sow and press into the soil. Do to cover. Under warm conditions germination should occur within a week. Transplant when small-- less than 2" high. Larger plants do not transplant well. Or grow individually in containers.
Please note: Not available for shipment to Canada.