Matricaria
Quick Overview
Common Name: Matricaria, Feverfew, German Chamomile
Scientific Name: Matricaria chamomilla, Tanacetum parthenium
Plant Type: Annual and short-lived perennial varieties available
USDA Zones: 2 to 11 as annual, 5 to 9 as perennial
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, average to poor fertility
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Summer
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Edible: Yes, chamomile flowers are used in herbal teas
Why Grow Matricaria on a Homestead
Matricaria is one of the most underappreciated and commercially versatile filler flowers available to homestead cut flower growers. Its abundance of small, daisy-like blooms in pure white with bright yellow centers, held on densely branching stems, create a frothy, cloud-like filler effect in arrangements that florists find indispensable. It is the quintessential professional filler flower, appearing in mixed bouquets and arrangements in flower shops and wedding venues around the world, and yet it remains surprisingly underutilized by small homestead operations that could be growing and selling it profitably with minimal effort.
For homestead growers, Matricaria represents one of the most straightforward and rewarding filler crops available. It grows readily from seed or transplant, thrives in lean, well-drained soil without heavy fertilization, produces an extraordinary abundance of harvestable stems over a generous blooming period, and is in consistent demand from florists who use it week in and week out as a workhorse filler in virtually every style of arrangement. Its delicate white flowers and fresh, clean fragrance make it appealing at the farmers market as well as in the wholesale channel, giving homestead growers strong options across multiple sales platforms.
Here is why Matricaria deserves a prominent spot on your homestead:
It is one of the most widely used professional filler flowers in the world. Florists use Matricaria constantly in mixed arrangements across every style from casual farmers market bouquets to high-end wedding installations. Local supply from small farms is rare and highly valued.
It produces an extraordinary abundance of harvestable stems. A single well-established Matricaria plant produces dozens of harvestable stems over its long blooming season, making it one of the highest-volume filler crops available per square foot of growing space.
It thrives in lean soil with minimal input. Matricaria performs better in average to poor, well-drained soil than in rich, heavily amended beds. It is one of the most cost-efficient filler crops available with near-zero ongoing input requirements after establishment.
It dries reasonably well. Matricaria can be dried for use in dried arrangements and wreaths, adding an additional market channel beyond fresh cut flowers.
It has genuine herbal value. Chamomile varieties of Matricaria have a long history of use in herbal teas and natural remedies, providing additional harvestable and saleable products beyond the cut flowers.
Growing Conditions
Sunlight
Matricaria performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade reasonably well. It needs at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the strongest stems and most abundant flowering. In deeper shade stems become weak and elongated and flower production decreases significantly. For cut flower production with the longest, strongest stems full sun is always the preferred choice.
Soil
Matricaria strongly prefers well-drained soil with average to poor fertility. Like many plants with a long history of naturalization in disturbed habitats, it thrives in lean conditions and actually produces better, more upright cut flower stems in soil that is not overly rich. Overly fertile soil produces lush, floppy growth at the expense of the tall, straight stems most valuable for market. Sandy or well-drained loam soil is ideal. Soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is suitable.
Water
Once established, Matricaria is moderately drought tolerant. It needs regular watering during establishment but after that requires less supplemental irrigation than most other cut flower crops. Water deeply once or twice a week during extended dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions as Matricaria does not tolerate wet feet. In hot, humid climates ensure excellent drainage to prevent the root rot and crown rot that can occur in consistently wet conditions.
Temperature
Matricaria is a cool to warm season plant that performs well across a wide range of temperatures. It tolerates light frost and actually benefits from cool growing conditions for the strongest stems. In very hot conditions above 90 degrees Fahrenheit it may slow down or decline temporarily before resuming production as temperatures moderate. In mild winter climates within USDA zones 8 to 11 it can be grown as a fall through spring crop for an extended blooming period. In cold winter climates it is grown as a spring through summer annual.
Planting Guide
Matricaria can be started from seed indoors, direct sown, or planted from nursery transplants. Starting from seed indoors gives the earliest blooms and is the most economical approach for large plantings.
Step 1: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in cold winter climates. In mild winter climates within USDA zones 8 to 11, seeds can be started indoors in late summer to early fall for fall and winter transplanting.
Step 2: Matricaria seeds are very tiny and need light to germinate. Press seeds onto the surface of moist seed starting mix without covering them. Keep seed trays at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit until germination which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Step 3: Once seedlings have developed two to three sets of true leaves, transplant into individual pots and grow on in a bright, cool location until outdoor planting time.
Step 4: After the last frost date when soil has warmed, transplant seedlings outdoors to a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Space plants 9 to 12 inches apart for cut flower production.
Step 5: Water thoroughly after transplanting and keep soil consistently moist until plants are well established. After establishment, reduce watering to occasional deep irrigation during dry periods.
Step 6: For a continuous harvest, succession sow or transplant every three to four weeks from early spring through early summer. This creates a rolling harvest of fresh stems throughout the summer season.
Seed vs Transplant: Both work well. Starting from seed is most economical for large plantings. Nursery transplants give faster results and are a good option for smaller plantings.
Spacing: 9 to 12 inches apart for cut flower production.
Planting Season: After last frost in cold winter climates. Late summer to early fall in mild winter climates within USDA zones 8 to 11 for fall and winter production.
Maintenance
Pinching
Pinching the central growing tip when seedlings reach 6 to 8 inches tall encourages branching and increases the number of flowering stems produced per plant. This is particularly important for cut flower production where multiple long stems per plant are the goal. Pinching delays the first bloom by approximately one to two weeks but significantly increases total stem yield throughout the season.
Deadheading
Remove spent flower heads promptly to encourage continued stem production throughout the blooming season. Matricaria produces new flowering stems continuously from lateral branches and keeping spent heads removed prevents the plant from directing energy into seed production.
Fertilizing
Matricaria does not need heavy feeding. A light application of balanced fertilizer at planting is sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which promote lush, floppy foliage at the expense of flower production. In very lean soil a single midseason application of low nitrogen fertilizer can help maintain productivity through the long growing season.
Pest Control
Matricaria is largely pest resistant. Aphids can occasionally appear on new growth and developing flower clusters but are usually managed naturally by the beneficial insects that Matricaria attracts. Its aromatic foliage deters many insects. Treat with a strong spray of water or neem oil if aphid populations become problematic.
Disease Prevention
Good drainage and air circulation prevent most disease issues. Avoid overhead watering and do not crowd plants. Crown rot can occur in poorly drained or consistently wet conditions. In hot, humid climates ensure excellent drainage and space plants properly for good air circulation to reduce fungal disease pressure.
Harvesting
When to Harvest
Harvest Matricaria stems when approximately half to three quarters of the individual flower heads on each stem cluster are open and showing their characteristic white petals and bright yellow centers. Stems harvested at this stage have the best vase life and continue to develop fully after cutting. Stems harvested too early may not open properly after cutting. Harvest in the early morning when stems are fully hydrated and temperatures are cool.
How to Cut
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Cut stems as long as possible, ideally 12 to 18 inches. Cut just above a set of leaves or a lateral shoot to encourage new stem production from branches below the cut. Remove all foliage from the lower half of the stem immediately after cutting and place stems immediately into a bucket of cool water with a floral preservative.
Conditioning
Matricaria benefits from a conditioning period in deep cool water for several hours or overnight before sale or arrangement. This conditioning period allows stems to fully hydrate and significantly improves vase life and stem strength. Properly conditioned Matricaria holds up well in arrangements and at market displays.
Drying
To dry Matricaria, gather stems into small bundles and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. The small daisy-like flowers retain their form reasonably well when dried and can be used in dried wreaths, arrangements, and botanical craft products. Harvest for drying when flowers are fully open for the best appearance after drying.
How Often to Harvest
During peak bloom, harvest every three to four days as new stems reach the correct stage. Regular cutting encourages the plant to continue producing new stems throughout the season. Do not allow significant numbers of flower heads to go to seed as this signals the plant to slow down production.
Vase Life
Matricaria typically lasts 7 to 12 days as a fresh cut flower with proper conditioning and care. Strip all foliage below the waterline, recut stems at an angle, and place in fresh water with a floral preservative. Change water every few days to maximize longevity.
Uses on a Homestead
Cut Flower Use
Matricaria is primarily used as a filler flower in mixed bouquets and arrangements. Its abundance of small white daisy-like blooms on densely branching stems creates a frothy, cloud-like filler effect that complements virtually every other flower. It provides a similar visual function to Baby's Breath but with more substance, more color from its bright yellow centers, and a fresher, more natural quality that many florists and customers prefer. It pairs beautifully with roses, dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, and virtually every other summer cut flower.
Wedding and Event Flowers
Matricaria is a workhorse filler in the wedding flower industry. Its abundance of small white blooms fills space, softens bold focal flowers, and adds a delicate, naturalistic quality to arrangements that is extremely versatile across every wedding aesthetic from the most formal to the most casual. Wedding florists use it constantly and a reliable local source of quality stems is genuinely valued.
Dried Flower Use
Dried Matricaria bundles add a delicate white texture to dried wreaths and arrangements. They pair beautifully with dried lavender, statice, strawflower, and grasses in naturalistic dried designs.
Herbal Use
Chamomile varieties of Matricaria, particularly Matricaria chamomilla, have a long history of use as a calming herbal tea. The small daisy-like flowers can be harvested, dried, and sold as loose herbal chamomile tea or incorporated into herbal tea blends for an additional homestead income stream. Only chamomile varieties should be used for this purpose and all material for herbal use must be grown without chemical sprays.
Pollinator Garden
Matricaria is an excellent pollinator plant. Bees, hoverflies, and beneficial insects visit its blooms constantly throughout the season, contributing to the overall health and productivity of your homestead garden ecosystem.
Can You Make Money With Matricaria
Yes, Matricaria is a highly profitable filler crop for homestead flower operations, particularly because of its extremely high stem yield per plant, near-zero ongoing input costs, and consistent florist demand.
Exceptional stem yield per plant. A single well-established Matricaria plant can produce dozens of harvestable stems over its blooming season. The stem yield per square foot of growing space is among the highest of any cut flower crop available.
Consistent florist demand. Florists use Matricaria as a workhorse filler in mixed arrangements constantly and consistently. Local supply is rare and a reliable source is genuinely valued by florists who are accustomed to sourcing it through wholesale channels.
Near-zero ongoing input costs. Matricaria thrives in lean soil without fertilizing, needs minimal watering once established, and has virtually no pest or disease management requirements in well-drained, well-ventilated conditions.
Multiple market channels. Fresh bouquets, florist supply, dried arrangements, herbal products, and wedding work all provide viable income channels from a single Matricaria planting.
Farmers Market: Fresh Matricaria bundles sell for 6 to 10 dollars per bunch. Their inclusion in mixed bouquets elevates every arrangement they appear in and supports higher overall bouquet pricing.
Florists and Wedding Designers: Matricaria is in consistent demand from florists as a workhorse white filler. Establishing a reliable local supply relationship with florists is one of the most stable and predictable income sources for this crop.
Herbal Products: Dried chamomile flowers from Matricaria chamomilla can be sold as loose herbal tea or incorporated into herbal tea blends for an additional income stream with strong and growing consumer demand.
CSA Flower Subscriptions: Matricaria is an essential filler component of summer flower subscription boxes. Its inclusion adds volume, delicacy, and professional quality to every bouquet it appears in.
Companion Plants
Matricaria grows beautifully alongside many other summer cut flowers and beneficial insect plants with similar growing preferences.
Roses: Matricaria is a classic and universally flattering companion for roses in mixed bouquets. In the garden it attracts beneficial insects that help manage aphids and other rose pests.
Zinnias: Both are summer annuals that grow in similar conditions and complement each other beautifully in mixed summer bouquets where Matricaria provides delicate white contrast to the bold colors of zinnias.
Snapdragons: Both are cool to warm season flowers with overlapping bloom times that pair beautifully in mixed spring and early summer arrangements.
Echinacea: Both attract beneficial insects and complement each other beautifully in naturalistic mixed arrangements with contrasting white and pink tones.
Lavender: Both prefer well-drained, lean soil and complement each other beautifully in fragrant mixed bouquets and in the garden.
Yarrow: Both are low-maintenance flowering plants that share similar lean-soil preferences and complement each other in naturalistic mixed arrangements.
Common Problems
Floppy Stems
The most common production challenge with Matricaria. Caused by overly rich soil, insufficient sun, or overcrowding. Grow in average to lean soil with full sun and space plants properly. Avoid fertilizing with high nitrogen products. Horizontal support netting installed early in the season helps keep stems upright in exposed locations.
Crown and Root Rot
Can occur in poorly drained or consistently wet soil. Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, and never let water pool around the base of plants. In hot, humid climates raised beds may be necessary for reliable performance.
Powdery Mildew
Can appear on foliage late in the season in humid conditions or when plants are overcrowded. Space plants properly for air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected foliage promptly.
Aphids
Occasionally appear on new growth and developing flower clusters. Usually managed naturally by beneficial insects. A strong spray of water or neem oil can be used if populations become problematic.
Self-Seeding
Matricaria self-seeds prolifically if seed heads are allowed to mature and disperse. This self-seeding habit can be an asset in a managed cutting garden if a small proportion of plants are allowed to set seed in a designated area. Deadheading promptly throughout the season prevents unwanted self-seeding in areas where it is not desired.
Varieties to Consider
Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile): The classic chamomile species with small, single white daisy-like blooms and an apple-like fragrance. Grown primarily for herbal chamomile tea production but also useful as a cut flower filler. The most widely grown species for herbal use.
Tanacetum parthenium Snowball: A double-flowered feverfew variety with fully double, pompom-like white blooms that are more substantial and visually impressive than the single-flowered species. Very popular with florists for its more ornamental double form. One of the most widely grown Matricaria types for cut flower production.
Tanacetum parthenium Vegmo White: A variety selected specifically for cut flower production with strong stems, good stem length, and an excellent percentage of double flowers. Very reliable performance and consistent quality make this a popular choice for homestead and small farm cut flower production.
Tanacetum parthenium Aureum (Golden Feverfew): A variety grown for its golden-yellow foliage rather than its flowers. Produces small white daisy blooms but is valued primarily as a foliage filler in arrangements. The bright chartreuse to golden foliage adds an unusual and striking color element to mixed bouquets.
Tanacetum parthenium Balls Ultra Double White: A series specifically bred for cut flower production with an extremely high percentage of fully double flowers on strong, upright stems. Very popular in the professional cut flower market for its consistent double flower performance and clean white color.
Final Thoughts
Matricaria is one of the most reliably productive, consistently demanded, and commercially straightforward filler crops a homestead flower grower can add to their operation. It asks for very little and gives back with an extraordinary abundance of harvestable stems that florists and customers consistently seek out and value. In a diverse homestead flower operation where maximizing the income potential of every square foot is essential, few crops deliver the combination of high stem yield, near-zero input costs, and consistent florist demand that Matricaria provides season after season. Grow it in lean, well-drained soil with full sun, pinch seedlings early, harvest regularly at the correct stage, and Matricaria will become one of the most reliably productive and commercially valuable filler crops in your entire flower operation.
FAQ
Is Matricaria the same as Feverfew? The name Matricaria is used somewhat loosely in the cut flower world and can refer to several related plants. In commercial floristry, Matricaria most commonly refers to Tanacetum parthenium, which is also known as Feverfew, and is the small white daisy-like filler flower widely used by florists. True Matricaria chamomilla is German Chamomile, a related plant with similar appearance but grown primarily for herbal chamomile tea rather than cut flower use. Both plants have similar growing requirements and similar cut flower applications but they are technically distinct species.
How do I get the highest stem yield from Matricaria? Pinching seedlings at 6 to 8 inches tall is the single most effective strategy for maximizing stem yield per plant. This forces the plant to branch out and produce multiple flowering stems rather than a single central stem. Growing in full sun with adequate spacing of 9 to 12 inches, maintaining consistent moisture during active growth, avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, and harvesting regularly at the correct stage to prevent seed set all contribute to maximum stem yield throughout the season.
Can Matricaria be used as herbal chamomile tea? Yes, but only true Matricaria chamomilla, German Chamomile, should be used for herbal tea production. It has the characteristic apple-like fragrance and the chemical composition associated with traditional chamomile tea benefits. Tanacetum parthenium, the common cut flower feverfew, has a different chemical composition and is not used as chamomile tea. If you intend to grow Matricaria for both cut flower and herbal tea use, ensure you are growing the correct species for each purpose and that all material intended for herbal use is grown without any chemical sprays.
How long does Matricaria bloom? With the right variety selection, proper pinching, and regular harvesting, Matricaria can bloom from late spring through summer and into fall in many climates. In mild winter climates within USDA zones 8 to 11, a fall-planted crop can bloom through winter and spring. Succession planting every three to four weeks from early spring through early summer in cold winter climates maintains a continuous supply of fresh stems throughout the summer selling season.
Does Matricaria have a fragrance? Yes, Matricaria has a distinctive aromatic fragrance that varies between species. German Chamomile has a pleasant, apple-like fragrance that is one of its most commercially appealing qualities for herbal use and at the farmers market. Feverfew has a stronger, more pungent aromatic fragrance that some people find appealing and others find too intense. The fragrance of both species comes primarily from the foliage and is most noticeable when the plant is handled or when foliage is crushed.