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Fragrant chamomile

Name: Fragrant chamomile
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Pineapple Weed

Latin name Matricaria discoidea

Quantity per packet Minimum of 300 seeds

This aromatic annual produces edible flower heads with a distinctive pineapple fragrance that are highly valued for herbal teas and infusions. Its long flowering season also supports biodiversity by attracting beneficial pollinators.

Product information

Product
identification

Common namePineapple Weed

Latin nameMatricaria discoidea

FamilyAsteraceae

TypeAnnual herb

CycleAnnual

Quantity per packMinimum of 300 seeds

Product
description

Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea) is a small aromatic annual appreciated for its surprising pineapple fragrance and exceptional ease of cultivation. Compact in habit, it usually reaches 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, herb gardens, planters, and small sunny spaces. From June through September, it produces numerous greenish-yellow, petal-less flower heads that are discreet yet charming and release a fruity scent when crushed. Its finely divided green foliage adds delicate texture, while its hardiness and ability to self-seed naturally make it well suited to gardens throughout Canada.

Pineapple Weed grows best in full sun and poor to moderately fertile, well-drained sandy to loamy soil. Surface sow Matricaria discoidea seeds in spring or autumn, as light promotes germination. Keep the soil lightly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 10 to 15 days at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). This easy annual requires very little fertilization; a light application of compost at the beginning of the season is more than enough. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods well and only needs occasional watering during prolonged heat.

Perfect for herb gardens, vegetable gardens, naturalized borders, and pollinator-friendly plantings, Pineapple Weed fits easily between other crops thanks to its low-growing habit. It pairs well with Calendula, Yarrow, Dill, and Cilantro to create a useful, fragrant, and lively planting. Its edible flower heads can be harvested from June through September for infusions, herbal teas, drinks, and some desserts with fruity notes reminiscent of pineapple and chamomile. Its long bloom period attracts bees and small pollinators, supporting biodiversity while offering a distinctive aromatic harvest.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodSpring or autumn

Best time

Spring or autumn

Sowing depthSurface sow

Spacing / density

10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time10 to 15 days

Propagation

Propagate by seed.

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

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Poor to moderately fertile, sandy to loamy, well-drained soil. This adaptable species also grows well in compacted or disturbed soils that do not remain waterlogged.

Soil pH6.0 to 7.5

Watering

Water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist during establishment. Once established, Pineapple Weed tolerates dry periods well.

Fertilization

Pineapple Weed grows well in poor soils and rarely requires fertilizer. A light application of compost early in the season is generally sufficient.

Care levelLow

In spring, keep the soil lightly moist during germination and allow plants to establish naturally. During summer, occasional watering is only necessary during prolonged dry periods. Remove some spent flower heads if you wish to reduce self-seeding, but leave others in place to encourage natural reseeding for the following season.

Container
growing

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,
harvest
and garden

Its unique pineapple fragrance and exceptional ease of cultivation make Pineapple Weed a wonderful addition to edible gardens and natural landscapes. Its long bloom period also attracts many beneficial insects.

Garden use

Pineapple Weed fits perfectly into herb gardens, vegetable gardens, naturalized borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Its compact habit makes it easy to tuck between vegetables and perennial herbs. It creates a fragrant, lively garden while providing an excellent harvest for homemade herbal teas and infusions.

Bloom period

The small, petal-less flower heads bloom abundantly throughout summer and release a sweet fruity fragrance when crushed. Flowering continues as long as growing conditions remain favorable.

Flower colorGreenish yellow

Foliage colorFinely divided green

Harvest

June to September. Harvest the flower heads regularly for herbal teas and aromatic uses.

Fruiting

Achenes containing numerous seeds

Wildlife appealPollinators

Size
and facts

Height10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)

Spread10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)

Growth rateFast

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-35°C (-31°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Calendula, Yarrow, Dill, Cilantro

Avoid planting with

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Ligularia, Horsetail

Recipe
and 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

When should I sow Pineapple Weed seeds? +

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.

Is Pineapple Weed edible? +

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.

Why is it called Pineapple Weed? +

When the flower heads are crushed, they release a sweet fruity fragrance that strongly resembles pineapple, making this plant easy to identify.

Does Pineapple Weed attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its flowers attract bees and many small beneficial pollinating insects, making it a valuable addition to ecological gardens.

Does Pineapple Weed self-seed? +

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.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.