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Aromatic annual
Asteraceae
Edible and aromatic annuals
Pineapple Weed
Matricaria discoidea
Product code :
Pineapple weed is a small aromatic annual with yellow-green flower heads whose fragrance recalls pineapple and chamomile. Easy to grow, it suits herb gardens, containers and sunny spaces. Matricaria discoidea has finely divided green foliage that forms a low clump, 10 to 20 cm (3.9 to 7.9 in) tall. From June to September, it produces numerous conical yellow-green flower heads without white petals, a feature distinguishing it from familiar chamomiles. Its low growth and unusual heads give a sunny herb planting both texture and an aromatic presence. This compact annual fits places where a small, fragrant plant is wanted alongside the other plants of the herb garden.
- Quantity
- About 300 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common namePineapple Weed
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusMatricaria
Speciesdiscoidea
TypeAromatic annual
Botanical nameMatricaria discoidea
Reproducible seedsYes
Pineapple Weed is a small aromatic annual with a fruity fragrance reminiscent of pineapple and chamomile. From June to September, it produces many conical yellow-green flower heads without the white petals associated with familiar chamomiles. Crushing the flowers or young shoots releases their pronounced sweet scent. Matricaria discoidea reaches 20 cm (7.9 in) in height. Its fast growth and compact outline suit borders, herb gardens, containers and sunny spaces where a discreet, fragrant and useful plant is wanted. The combination of unusual petal-free flower heads, low growth and a strong fruity aroma gives this annual a distinctive garden presence.
Grow pineapple weed in full sun with well-drained sandy to loamy soil of low to moderate fertility. Surface-sow pineapple weed seeds on prepared soil in spring or fall, or start the plants indoors. Keep the soil lightly moist during germination and remove competing weeds around the seedlings. Neither cold stratification nor scarification is required. This compact, fast-growing annual is also easy to raise in a pot or planter. Its small size suits a container display, where the growing medium should retain the well-drained conditions needed by the roots as the sowing develops into young plants.
Pineapple weed fits vegetable gardens, edible borders, herb gardens, naturalized paths and plantings for small pollinators. Correctly identified flower heads can be harvested from June to September for infusions, flavoured drinks and lightly fruity desserts. Their flavour suggests pineapple with a chamomile note. Pair Matricaria discoidea with calendula, common yarrow, dill and coriander. Harvest only from places free of pesticides, animal traffic and road contamination. Because this annual can self-seed abundantly, remove some flower heads before they mature when less spread is wanted. Both harvest site and control of self-seeding deserve attention in a useful herb planting.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Surface
Spacing / density
10 cm (3.9 in)
Germination temperature
18 to 22°C (64.4 to 71.6°F)
Germination time
10 to 15 days
Sowing period
Spring or autumn
Propagation
Surface-sow on prepared soil in spring or autumn, or start the plants indoors. Maintain light moisture during germination and remove weeds around the seedlings. The seeds require neither cold stratification nor scarification. This annual species persists mainly through self-sowing.
Growing method
For pineapple weed seeds, follow this protocol: surface-sow on prepared soil in spring or autumn, or start the plants indoors. Maintain light moisture during germination and remove weeds around the seedlings. The seeds require neither cold stratification nor scarification. This annual species persists mainly through self-sowing. Sowing depth: Surface. Allow 10 cm (3.9 in) between plants in their permanent position. Grow pineapple weed in full sun, providing a suitable root environment for the young plants as they become established. For establishment, choose soil that is sandy to loamy, low to moderately fertile and well drained. Prepare clean sowing containers fitted with drainage holes, and moisten the growing medium before you distribute the seeds across it. Having the containers ready makes it easier to sow evenly. Level the surface of the growing medium before sowing. This supports an even distribution of seed and helps prevent watering from washing small seeds into the corners of the container, where they would become crowded together. The period of seed pretreatment and the time needed for germination are two separate stages. Include both stages when planning your sowing calendar, rather than counting only the days that pass after the seed is sown. Pineapple weed fits vegetable gardens, edible borders, herb gardens, naturalized paths and plantings for small pollinators.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Care level
Easy
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Adjust watering for pineapple weed to establishment and soil moisture. Water young plants during the period when their roots are becoming established. Afterwards, adjust the intervals between waterings to the rainfall and to the actual condition of the soil around the growing plants. Soil that is still moist does not automatically need another watering. Check particularly carefully just after transplanting, before the roots can explore a larger volume of soil.
Soil type
For pineapple weed, choose sandy to loamy, low to moderately fertile and well drained soil. Observe the site after rainfall to check whether moisture matches the plant's requirements. Prepare the root zone before planting, removing competing weeds and avoiding unnecessary compaction of the soil around the future roots. Soil texture and the movement of water need to be considered together. Even soil that appears suitable can become too dry or too wet because of the slope of the site or the vegetation growing around it.
Fertilization
Moderately fertile soil usually meets the needs of pineapple weed. First carefully assess soil fertility and the plant's condition before adding a product. Concentrated fertilizer cannot correct poor drainage or weakened roots. Apply soil amendments sparingly, keeping them away from the crown of the plant. In containers, follow the directions for the product you choose and avoid accumulating repeated applications.
Moisture
Low to moderate; ordinary well-drained soil
Seasonal care
For pineapple weed, prepare a small bare-soil patch in spring and keep lightly moist until emergence. Water mainly during prolonged summer drought and harvest heads regularly. Leave some seeds for return or remove heads to control spread. In spring, first watch the plant for signs that growth has resumed before removing dry stems or branches. This helps you base the cleanup on what the plant is actually doing as the season begins. Carefully remove material that is actually dead or damaged. Check the moisture below the soil surface, and remove competing plants from around young specimens. The aim is to help them establish without unnecessarily disturbing the roots that are developing beneath the growing plant. In summer, adjust watering to rainfall, heat and the actual condition of the soil. Soil that is still moist does not need the same amount of water as a dry growing medium. A plant in a pot often needs more frequent observation, so use the condition of its soil to guide your response. After flowering, decide whether to keep seeds or reduce self-seeding. Plants raised from seed can vary slightly from one another. Note how they behave in your own garden before changing the care of the entire planting, allowing your observations of actual growth to guide any adjustment. Keep the labels for outdoor sowings in place through the seasons. When you return to the planting for spring cleanup, those labels help you recognize emerging seedlings instead of confusing the future crop with weeds.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in.)
Pineapple weed is easy to raise in a pot or planter because of its compact habit and fast growth. Use a well-drained container with light, low-fertility growing medium. The annual tolerates urban growing conditions and sunny positions. Crushing its foliage or flower heads releases the characteristic pineapple fragrance. It is well suited to edible balconies and herb gardens, where its small size keeps the planting accessible. A low container provides a convenient way to appreciate both the unusual flower heads and their aromatic character. Grow pineapple weed in full sun, providing a suitable root environment for the young plants as they become established. For establishment, choose soil that is sandy to loamy, low to moderately fertile and well drained. Choose a container with drainage holes through which excess water can leave freely. Drainage depends on both the growing medium and the pot's openings. A layer of stones does not replace a mixture suited to the roots. Moisten the growing medium before planting and handle the root ball carefully. Firm the medium gently around the roots and water to bring it into contact with the root ball. Then allow the surplus water to drain away. Pineapple weed fits vegetable gardens, edible borders, herb gardens, naturalized paths and plantings for small pollinators.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
20 cm (7.9 in)
Width / spread
10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.)
Flower color
Yellowish green
Foliage color
Green, finely divided
Foliage type
Annual, deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Low, compact and highly branched
Fragrance
Strong pineapple and chamomile scent when crushed
Bloom period
Pineapple weed flowers from June to September. When crushed, its flowers and young shoots release a pronounced sweet fragrance. The flowering period can vary with region, exposure and the development of plants raised from seed. Watch the formation of buds and the progress of the flower heads instead of relying on a single date. The scented floral display develops over the season as the small annual grows.
Fruiting
Pineapple weed produces many small achenes as the flower heads develop, with one seed in each achene. Correctly identified flower heads may be harvested from June to September for infusions, flavoured drinks and lightly fruity desserts. Matricaria discoidea is a small aromatic annual with a fragrance suggesting pineapple and chamomile. Aromatic harvesting and collecting seed are separate uses of the developing plant.
Days to maturity
Flower-head harvest about 60 to 80 days after sowing
Harvest
Harvest flowers or seeds from June to September according to intended use.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Suggested companions for Pineapple Weed include calendula, yarrow, dill and coriander. Give every plant enough room to develop. A successful planting does not require packing all the species tightly into the same root zone. Allow each one space for its mature development. Check the particular needs of each companion and position lower-growing plants where they will still receive enough light. These combinations are based on compatible requirements for light and moisture as well as on contrasts in growth habit and foliage. Consider both the growing conditions and the different forms of the plants when placing them together.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Flower heads and young shoots
To prepare Pineapple Weed tea, use 5 to 10 correctly identified fresh flower heads or approximately 5 ml of dried flowers per cup. Pour over 250 ml of hot water, cover, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain carefully and serve plain or with a little honey. The drink develops a pineapple and chamomile fragrance. Harvest only plants grown without pesticides, and avoid this preparation with a known Asteraceae allergy or during pregnancy without professional guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How do I grow pineapple weed from seed?
For pineapple weed seeds, surface-sow on prepared soil in spring or autumn, or start the plants indoors. Maintain light moisture during germination and remove weeds around the seedlings. The seeds require neither cold stratification nor scarification. This annual species persists mainly through self-sowing. Adjust watering for pineapple weed to establishment and soil moisture. Water young plants during the period when their roots are becoming established. Afterwards, adjust the intervals between waterings to the rainfall and to the actual condition of the soil around the growing plants. Pay particular attention just after transplanting. At that stage, the roots cannot yet explore the larger volume of soil available to a well-established plant, so observations of moisture help guide the care of the young roots.
Is pineapple weed edible?
Correctly identified flower heads can flavour infusions and home recipes. The documented food parts are: flower heads and young shoots. Harvest only a small amount of healthy material and allow the plant to continue growing. Food harvests must come from a clean site without treatments incompatible with consumption. Do not eat the packet seeds or substitute a similar-looking plant. A plant's presence in the garden does not establish its safety for people or animals. Any preparation involving pineapple weed must respect its botanical identity and the plant parts that are actually usable. Its pineapple fragrance accompanies the correctly identified flower-head harvest.
Why is it called pineapple weed?
Pineapple weed gets its name from the fruity pineapple fragrance released when its flowers are crushed. Flowers and young shoots have a pronounced sweet scent recalling pineapple and chamomile. Matricaria discoidea is a small aromatic annual with yellow-green flower heads, suited to herb gardens, containers and sunny positions. Its flowering season is June to September, although timing varies with region, exposure and the development of plants raised from seed. Watch bud formation and the progress of the flower heads rather than relying on one fixed date. The scent is a characteristic of the flowering plant and its young growth, alongside the small annual's distinctive form and garden setting.
Does pineapple weed attract pollinators?
Pineapple weed flowers attract beneficial insects, including bees and small pollinators that visit ecological gardens. The low annual suits vegetable beds, edible borders, herb gardens, naturalized paths and containers, giving these useful plantings a flowering element for insect visitors. Its compact presence can form part of a varied aromatic garden rather than a large dedicated flower bed. Leave some flower heads in place during their season and avoid unnecessarily disturbing the insects while observing them. Matricaria discoidea contributes a modest pollinator resource within the wider garden, joining its aromatic character with the ecological activity associated with its small flowering heads.
Does pineapple weed self-seed?
Yes. Pineapple weed produces abundant seed and often self-seeds when its flower heads remain on the plant. In spring, prepare a small area of bare soil and keep it lightly moist until germination. During summer, water only in prolonged drought and harvest the flower heads regularly. Leave some flowers to form seed when natural return is wanted, or remove them to limit spread. At spring cleanup, watch for renewed growth before removing dry stems or branches. Check moisture beneath the soil surface and remove competing weeds around young plants, helping them establish without disturbing their roots. These choices let you manage the next generation of this small annual.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Pineapple weed attracts pollinating insects, including bees, to its small, unobtrusive flower heads. Low growth places this floral resource close to the ground within open habitats. Visits become apparent by watching the flower heads rather than the aromatic foliage. Wildlife value concerns the flowers currently available, independently of the culinary uses associated with the plant.
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