German Chamomile
The standard annual chamomile grown for tea and drying, with small scented flowers and a loose habit.
When to plant Chamomile in Dundee
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 Dundee · last frost ≈ 3 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
12 Apr to 24 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 12th April - 24th 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
10 May to 5 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle from 10th May to 5th 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
12 Apr to 25 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 12th April to 25th 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
26 Jun to 25 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekPick the flower heads from 26th June to 25th 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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