When to plant Chamomile in Manchester

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 Manchester · last frost ≈ 17 Apr

Sow outdoors March to May, harvest June to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    27 Mar to 8 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 27th March - 8th 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

    24 Apr to 19 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 24th April to 19th 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

    27 Mar to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 27th March to 8th 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

    10 Jun to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    Pick the flower heads from 10th June to 8th 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.