When to plant Chamomile in London

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 London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors March to April, harvest May to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    14 Mar to 25 Apr Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 14th March - 25th April. 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 Apr to 6 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 11th April to 6th 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

    14 Mar to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 14th March to 10th 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.

  4. 04

    Harvest Flowers

    28 May to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Pick the flower heads from 28th May to 10th 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

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.