Pineapple Weed seeds can be sown in spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in autumn for natural germination the following spring.
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Edible aromatic annual
Asteraceae
Edible and aromatic annuals
Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea) – Seeds
Matricaria discoidea
This small aromatic annual produces greenish-yellow flower heads with a distinct pineapple and chamomile fragrance. Easy to grow and edible when correctly identified, Pineapple Weed suits herbal tea, containers, and sunny herb gardens.
Quantity
Minimum of 300 seeds
Exposure
Full sun
Hardiness
Annual adapted to Zones 3 to 8
Difficulty level
Low
Discover the plant
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Matricaria
Species
discoidea
Cultivar
Type
Edible aromatic annual
Cycle
Annual
Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea) is a small aromatic annual recognized for a fruity fragrance reminiscent of pineapple and chamomile. Its finely divided green foliage forms a low clump generally 10 to 20 cm tall. From June through September, it produces numerous cone-shaped greenish-yellow flower heads without white ray petals, a feature that clearly distinguishes it from traditional chamomiles. When crushed, the flowers and young shoots release a strong, sweet scent. Its rapid growth and compact habit suit borders, herb gardens, containers, pathways, and sunny spaces where a discreet, fragrant, and useful plant is desired.
Pineapple Weed prefers full sun and poor to moderately fertile sandy or loamy soil, including compacted or lightly disturbed ground, provided drainage remains adequate. Surface sow the seeds directly in spring or autumn because light encourages germination. Press them gently against the soil without covering them, then maintain light moisture until emergence. Once established, this annual tolerates short dry periods and requires almost no fertilizer. Excess compost often produces more foliage with weaker aroma. Plants readily self-seed when mature flower heads remain in place, allowing the colony to return naturally in favourable sites.
In the garden, Pineapple Weed suits vegetable gardens, edible borders, herb beds, naturalized paths, and plantings visited by small pollinators. Correctly identified flower heads may be harvested from June through September for herbal tea, flavoured drinks, syrups, or lightly fruity desserts. Their flavour recalls pineapple with a subtle chamomile note. Pair this annual with calendula, Yarrow, dill, and cilantro. Harvest only from locations free of pesticides, pet contamination, and roadside pollution. Because Matricaria discoidea may reseed abundantly, remove selected flower heads before maturity where spread must be controlled.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Surface sow
Spacing / density
10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Establishment temperature
18 to 22°C
Establishment time
7 to 14 days
Best planting time
Spring or autumn
Propagation
Seed and natural reseeding
Growing method
Surface sow Pineapple Weed seeds directly outdoors in spring or autumn, as light encourages successful germination. Keep the growing medium lightly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within two weeks. This annual grows best in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, where it develops a compact habit and strong aroma. It readily self-seeds when conditions are favorable and requires very little maintenance while supporting pollinators throughout the growing season.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.5
Hardiness zone
Annual adapted to Zones 3 to 8
Minimum temperature
Killed by frost; seeds overwinter
Watering
Light during establishment; occasional afterward
Soil type
Sandy to loamy, poor to moderately fertile, and well drained
Fertilization
Very light or none
Seasonal care
In spring, prepare a small area of exposed soil and keep it lightly moist until germination. Thin crowded seedlings to improve airflow. During summer, water only through prolonged drought and harvest flower heads regularly before they turn brown. Avoid rich fertilizer. Allow some flowers to mature for natural reseeding, or remove them before seed formation to limit spread. In autumn, remove dry plants or leave them briefly in place so the final seeds can fall. Clean the area before winter if a tidy appearance is preferred.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in)
Pineapple Weed grows exceptionally well in containers and window boxes thanks to its compact size and rapid growth. Use a well-drained potting mix that is low in fertility and place the container in full sun. The pineapple fragrance is released whenever the foliage or flower heads are gently crushed, making it an excellent herb for patios, balconies, and edible container gardens.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Greenish yellow
Foliage color
Finely divided green
Foliage type
Annual deciduous foliage
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
June to September
Fruiting
Achenes containing numerous small seeds
Maximum height
Approximately 20 cm
Maximum width
Approximately 20 cm
Harvest
June to September
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Calendula, Yarrow, dill, and cilantro
Avoid planting with
Northern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, and waterlogged-soil plants
Herbal tea, herb garden, container, and edible border
From the garden to inspiration.
The edible flower heads and young shoots can be used in herbal teas, infusions, beverages, and desserts. Their fragrance strongly resembles pineapple with subtle chamomile notes. The flowers may be enjoyed fresh or dried for long-term storage, making Pineapple Weed a delightful addition to traditional herbal preparations and aromatic recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Yes. The flower heads are edible and commonly used in herbal teas thanks to their pleasant pineapple aroma. They can also be added to homemade recipes.
When the flower heads are crushed, they release a sweet fruity fragrance that strongly resembles pineapple, making this plant easy to identify.
Yes. Its flowers attract bees and many small beneficial pollinating insects, making it a valuable addition to ecological gardens.
Yes. Pineapple Weed produces abundant seed and often self-sows naturally when flower heads are left on the plant, allowing it to return year after year with little effort.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
Helps repel certain pests
Repellent
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
