German Chamomile
The standard annual chamomile grown for tea and drying, with small scented flowers and a loose habit.
When to plant Chamomile in Oxford
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
Calibrated to Oxford · last frost ≈ 24 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
3 Apr to 15 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow seeds thinly on the surface of fine compost around 3rd April - 15th May. Press them in lightly or cover with only a dusting of compost, then keep the surface just moist until they germinate.
02
Thin Seedlings
1 May to 26 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle from 1st May to 26th June, thin them so the strongest plants have room to grow. Keep the compost lightly moist and avoid disturbing the roots more than needed.
03
Water Sparingly
3 Apr to 29 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 3rd April to 29th 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.
04
Harvest Flowers
17 Jun to 29 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every weekPick the flower heads from 17th June to 29th 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
Bodegold
A named German chamomile selection grown for reliable flowering and good drying quality.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest June to September. Frost risk October to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest September to February. Frost risk October to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to April.
Chamomile guides by town
See how Chamomile timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.