German Chamomile
The standard annual chamomile grown for tea and drying, with small scented flowers and a loose habit.
When to plant Chamomile in Cambridge
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 Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
16 Apr to 28 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 16th April - 28th 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
14 May to 9 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle from 14th May to 9th July, 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
16 Apr to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 16th April to 19th October, 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
30 Jun to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekPick the flower heads from 30th June to 19th October 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.
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Chamomile guides by town
See how Chamomile timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.