Overview
St. John’s Chamomile (Anthemis sancti-johannis) is a charming perennial herb known for its brilliant orange, daisy-like flowers and delicate, aromatic foliage. Native to Bulgaria, this distinctive chamomile brings warm color and natural beauty to sunny cottage gardens, herb borders, and rock gardens. Its long-lasting blooms also make lovely cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements.
Key Features
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Distinctive chamomile variety with bright orange flower heads and yellow centers.
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Hardy perennial herb with finely divided, silvery-green foliage.
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Grows into a bushy, upright plant with a naturally graceful appearance.
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Suitable for sunny borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
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Attractive to pollinators and useful for colorful cut-flower arrangements.
Growing Benefits
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Adds cheerful orange blooms to sunny garden spaces.
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Returns seasonally, bringing lasting beauty to perennial borders.
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Provides an aromatic foliage accent for herb gardens.
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Creates colorful arrangements for fresh and dried flower displays.
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Offers an unusual chamomile variety for adventurous home gardeners.
Seed Specifications
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Common Name: St. John’s Chamomile, Orange Chamomile
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Botanical Name: Anthemis sancti-johannis (synonym: Cota tinctoria subsp. sancti-johannis)
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Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
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Colors: Orange flowers with yellow centers; silvery-green foliage
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Height: Approximately 24 inches
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Sunlight: Full sun
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Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates relatively poor soil
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Water: Moderate during establishment; prefers drier conditions once established
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Germination Time: Approximately two to four weeks under suitable conditions
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Sowing Depth: Surface sow; press seeds gently into the soil
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Spacing: Approximately 18–24 inches apart
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Growing Zones: Generally USDA zones 4–10, depending on local conditions
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Flowering/Maturity: Flowers in summer; may bloom in the first growing season
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Uses: Ornamental herb gardens, borders, rock gardens, cut flowers, and dried arrangements
Growing Tips
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Sow seeds on the soil surface because light can help with germination.
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Choose a sunny location with excellent drainage to encourage healthy growth.
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Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soil or during cooler weather.
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Remove spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage further blooms.
Seed Storage
Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark place. Keep them in a sealed, labeled envelope or airtight container to protect them from moisture and heat. Avoid storing seeds in direct sunlight or near sources of humidity.
Unique Facts About the Seeds
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St. John’s Chamomile is native to the mountains of Bulgaria and is sometimes called Orange Chamomile.
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Its botanical name has changed in modern plant classifications, with Cota tinctoria subsp. sancti-johannis being a currently accepted name.
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Unlike the familiar white-flowered German and Roman chamomile, this variety produces vivid orange flowers.
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Its aromatic, finely divided foliage and bright blooms make it a distinctive ornamental addition to sunny gardens.


