When to plant Chamomile in Edinburgh

Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile
Chamomile · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Edinburgh · last frost ≈ 4 May

Sow outdoors April to May, harvest June to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    13 Apr to 25 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 13th April - 25th May. Press them in lightly or cover with only a dusting of compost, then keep the surface just moist until they germinate.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    11 May to 6 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 11th May to 6th July, thin them so the strongest plants have room to grow. Keep the compost lightly moist and avoid disturbing the roots more than needed.

  3. 03

    Water Sparingly

    13 Apr to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 13th April to 16th 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.

  4. 04

    Harvest Flowers

    27 Jun to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Pick the flower heads from 27th June to 16th 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

German Chamomile

The standard annual chamomile grown for tea and drying, with small scented flowers and a loose habit.

Bodegold

A named German chamomile selection grown for reliable flowering and good drying quality.

Chamomile guides by town

See how Chamomile timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.