German Chamomile
The standard annual chamomile grown for tea and drying, with small scented flowers and a loose habit.
When to plant Chamomile in Brighton
Matricaria chamomilla
A hardy annual herb grown for its small daisy-like flowers, usually sown in spring in the UK. It grows best in a sunny, well-drained spot and flowers well if picked regularly.
45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Brighton · last frost ≈ 10 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
20 Mar to 1 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 20th March - 1st May. Press them in lightly or cover with only a dusting of compost, then keep the surface just moist until they germinate.
02
Thin Seedlings
17 Apr to 12 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle from 17th April to 12th June, thin them so the strongest plants have room to grow. Keep the compost lightly moist and avoid disturbing the roots more than needed.
03
Water Sparingly
20 Mar to 11 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 20th March to 11th November, water only enough to stop the plants drying out while they establish. Once rooted, chamomile prefers the soil to dry a little between waterings, especially in containers.
04
Harvest Flowers
3 Jun to 11 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekPick the flower heads from 3rd June to 11th November when they are fully open and the centres are still fresh. Harvest every few days to keep the plants flowering, then dry the flowers quickly in a warm, airy place.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Chamomile to consider
Bodegold
A named German chamomile selection grown for reliable flowering and good drying quality.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to September. Frost risk November to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Frost risk November to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to September. Frost risk November to April.
Chamomile guides by town
See how Chamomile timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.