Chamomiles in Old Grimsby

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 Old Grimsby · last frost ≈ 19 Feb

Sow January to March, harvest May to December. Frost risk December to February.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Chamomile

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    22 Jan to 19 Mar every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 22nd January - 19th March. 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

    5 Mar to 19 Mar

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 5th March to 19th March, 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 Feb to 3 Mar

    From 19th February to 3rd March, 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

    5 May to 3 Dec every week

    Pick the flower heads from 5th May to 3rd December 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.