Chamomiles in Gallowhill

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 Gallowhill · last frost ≈ 19 May

Sow April to June, harvest August to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Chamomile

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    21 Apr to 16 Jun every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 21st April - 16th June. 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

    2 Jun to 16 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 2nd June to 16th June, 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

    19 May to 6 Jan

    From 19th May to 6th January, 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

    2 Aug to 8 Oct every week

    Pick the flower heads from 2nd August to 8th 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.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Chamomile.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.