Chamomile is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow at home. With its small daisy-like flowers, soft ferny foliage, apple-like fragrance, and long history as a calming herbal tea, chamomile belongs in almost every herb garden.
It is also beginner-friendly. Chamomile can grow in garden beds, raised beds, containers, cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and even between stepping stones if you choose the right type. Once established, it does not need heavy feeding, constant fussing, or perfect soil.
This complete guide explains how to grow chamomile, the difference between German and Roman chamomile, how to start it from seed, how to harvest flowers, how to dry chamomile for tea, and how to use it safely at home.
Quick Answer: How Do You Grow Chamomile?
Grow chamomile in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil, and water regularly while seedlings establish. German chamomile is usually grown as an annual from seed and produces many flowers for tea. Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial often used as a fragrant ground cover. Harvest flowers when they are fully open, then dry them in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place.
Chamomile tea is commonly used as a gentle herbal drink, but it is not right for everyone. Avoid chamomile or speak with a healthcare professional first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or related plants, taking blood thinners, using sedatives, or taking prescription medication. This article is for gardening and educational use only, not medical advice.
German Chamomile vs Roman Chamomile
The word “chamomile” usually refers to two different plants. They look similar, smell similar, and are both used for tea, but they grow differently.
| Type | Botanical Name | Growth Habit | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| German Chamomile | Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita | Upright annual, often 1 to 2 feet tall | Best for heavy flower harvests and homemade tea |
| Roman Chamomile | Chamaemelum nobile | Low-growing perennial ground cover | Best for paths, lawn alternatives, containers, and perennial herb beds |
If your main goal is to harvest lots of flowers for tea, choose German chamomile. If your goal is a fragrant ground cover or low perennial herb, choose Roman chamomile.
Best Place to Grow Chamomile
Chamomile grows best in a sunny, open location with well-drained soil. It does not need rich soil to thrive, and too much fertilizer can produce leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Good locations include:
- Herb gardens
- Raised beds
- Cottage gardens
- Pollinator borders
- Vegetable garden edges
- Patio containers
- Sunny balcony planters
- Between stepping stones, especially Roman chamomile
In cooler regions, full sun usually produces the best flowering. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can help prevent stress during intense summer heat.
Sunlight Requirements
Chamomile prefers full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. German chamomile usually flowers best with more light, while Roman chamomile can tolerate a little more partial shade.
If your chamomile looks leggy, weak, or sparse, it may need more sun. If it wilts badly every afternoon in a hot climate, morning sun with afternoon shade may be better.
Best Soil for Chamomile
Chamomile prefers soil that drains well. It can grow in average garden soil and does not require heavy fertilizing. In fact, overly rich soil can make the plant leafy and floppy.
Ideal soil conditions:
- Well-drained
- Moderately fertile
- Not waterlogged
- Slightly sandy or loamy
- Loose enough for young roots to establish
If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage with compost and consider growing chamomile in raised beds or containers.
How to Grow Chamomile from Seed
Chamomile seeds are tiny, and they need light to germinate. Do not bury them deeply. Press them gently onto the soil surface and keep the seed-starting mix evenly moist until germination.
Starting Chamomile Indoors
- Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost.
- Fill seed trays with moist seed-starting mix.
- Sprinkle seeds on the surface.
- Press gently, but do not cover deeply.
- Place under grow lights or in a bright window.
- Keep the surface moist, not soggy.
- Thin seedlings once they are large enough to handle.
Direct Sowing Chamomile Outdoors
You can also direct sow chamomile outdoors after the danger of hard frost has passed. Scatter seeds over prepared soil, press them lightly into the surface, and water gently.
Because the seeds are very small, avoid burying them under thick soil or mulch. A fine mist or gentle watering can help prevent seeds from washing away.
Spacing Chamomile Plants
German chamomile should usually be spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart. Roman chamomile can spread as a ground cover, so spacing depends on whether you want a dense mat or individual plants.
For containers, one German chamomile plant can grow well in a medium pot, while Roman chamomile can trail and fill a wider planter.
How to Grow Chamomile in Containers
Chamomile grows beautifully in pots, especially if you have limited garden space. A container also makes it easier to control soil drainage and move the plant if summer heat becomes intense.
Container tips:
- Use a pot with drainage holes.
- Choose a light herb potting mix.
- Place the container in full sun to partial shade.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water.
- Harvest flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
Watering Chamomile
Chamomile needs regular moisture while seedlings establish. Once mature, it can tolerate some dryness, but container plants dry faster than garden plants.
Water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Avoid soggy conditions, especially in containers or heavy soil. Overly wet soil can lead to weak growth and root problems.
A simple rule: keep seedlings evenly moist, then let established plants dry slightly between waterings.
Does Chamomile Need Fertilizer?
Chamomile is not a heavy feeder. If your soil is reasonably healthy, it may not need fertilizer at all. Too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth and reduce flowers.
If plants look weak or pale, use a mild organic fertilizer or compost tea sparingly. For container chamomile, a diluted organic herb fertilizer can be used occasionally during active growth.
Chamomile as a Companion Plant
Chamomile is often grown near vegetables and herbs because its flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators. It can fit nicely near cabbage family crops, onions, mint, basil, calendula, and other herbs.
Benefits in the garden may include:
- Attracting bees and hoverflies
- Adding flowers to herb and vegetable beds
- Softening edges of raised beds
- Providing harvestable flowers for tea
- Helping create a diverse pollinator-friendly planting
German chamomile can self-seed, so plant it where volunteers will not be a problem or harvest before too many flowers go to seed.
When Does Chamomile Bloom?
Chamomile usually blooms in late spring through summer, depending on planting time and climate. German chamomile often begins flowering several weeks after transplanting and continues producing flowers if harvested regularly.
Roman chamomile may bloom in summer and can spread into a fragrant mat over time.
Regular harvesting encourages more flowers, especially with German chamomile.
How to Harvest Chamomile
The flowers are the main part harvested for tea. Pick chamomile flowers when they are fully open, with white petals and bright yellow centers. Harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before intense afternoon heat.
How to harvest:
- Choose fully open flowers.
- Pinch or snip the flower heads close to the base.
- Place flowers gently in a basket or bowl.
- Remove damaged flowers, insects, or debris.
- Use fresh right away or dry for storage.
A small pair of herb scissors or pruning snips can make harvesting faster and cleaner.
How to Dry Chamomile Flowers
Drying chamomile correctly is important because any trapped moisture can cause mold. The flowers should be completely dry before storage.
Air-Drying Method
- Spread flowers in a single layer on a drying screen, tray, or clean towel.
- Place them in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area.
- Keep flowers out of direct sun to preserve color and aroma.
- Turn or stir gently once a day.
- Dry until the flowers feel crisp and crumble easily.
Dehydrator Method
You can also dry chamomile in a food dehydrator on the lowest herb setting. Check often because the flowers are delicate and dry quickly.
How to Store Dried Chamomile
Once dried, store chamomile flowers in an airtight glass jar away from light, heat, and moisture. A cool pantry or cupboard is ideal.
Storage tips:
- Make sure flowers are fully dry before sealing.
- Use clean glass jars with tight lids.
- Label the jar with the harvest date.
- Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Use within about a year for best flavor and aroma.
How to Make Chamomile Tea
Homemade chamomile tea is simple. You can use fresh or dried flowers. Dried flowers are more concentrated, so you need less.
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers per cup, or about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh flowers. Pour hot water over the flowers, cover, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy plain, or add honey and lemon if desired.
For stronger tea, use more flowers rather than steeping for too long. Very long steeping can make herbal teas taste bitter or overly strong.
Fresh vs Dried Chamomile for Tea
Fresh and dried chamomile both make good tea, but they taste slightly different.
| Type | Flavor | How Much to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chamomile | Light, grassy, floral, delicate | Use more flowers because they contain water |
| Dried Chamomile | Stronger, sweeter, more concentrated | Use less because the flavor is concentrated |
Ways to Use Chamomile at Home
Chamomile is best known as tea, but dried flowers can also be used in simple home and garden projects. Keep claims modest and use common sense, especially with skin applications.
- Herbal tea: The most popular use. Brew dried or fresh flowers as a caffeine-free evening drink.
- Bath soak: Add dried flowers to a muslin bag and place in warm bathwater for a gentle floral soak.
- Herbal sachets: Mix dried chamomile with lavender and place in small fabric bags for drawers or linen closets.
- Facial steam: Add dried flowers to hot water and use the steam carefully, keeping your face far enough away to avoid burns.
- Hair rinse: A cooled chamomile infusion can be used as a gentle rinse for light hair, though results vary.
- Garden pollinator plant: Let some flowers remain in the garden for bees and beneficial insects.
- Homemade herbal gifts: Combine dried chamomile with mint, lemon balm, or lavender for a custom tea blend.
Chamomile Tea Blend Ideas
Chamomile blends well with many other garden herbs. If you grow several herbs, you can create your own caffeine-free tea blends.
- Chamomile + lavender: Floral and relaxing.
- Chamomile + mint: Fresh and soothing after meals.
- Chamomile + lemon balm: Bright, lemony, and gentle.
- Chamomile + rose petals: Soft, floral, and gift-worthy.
- Chamomile + ginger: Warmer and spicier.
- Chamomile + honey + lemon: Classic and simple.
Common Chamomile Growing Problems
Leggy Plants
Leggy chamomile usually needs more sunlight. Move containers to a brighter spot or thin crowded seedlings so each plant gets enough light and airflow.
Few Flowers
Too much shade, too much nitrogen, or overly rich soil can reduce flowering. Avoid heavy fertilizer and make sure the plant receives enough sun.
Wilting in Hot Weather
Chamomile can wilt during intense afternoon heat, especially in containers. Water deeply and consider afternoon shade in hot climates.
Aphids or Thrips
Chamomile is generally easygoing, but aphids and thrips can occasionally appear. Rinse plants with water or use insecticidal soap according to label directions if needed.
Self-Seeding Everywhere
German chamomile can self-seed freely. Harvest flowers regularly and remove spent blooms before they set seed if you do not want volunteers.
Chamomile Care Calendar
| Season | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Late Winter | Start German chamomile seeds indoors if you want early blooms. |
| Spring | Transplant seedlings or direct sow outdoors after hard frost danger passes. |
| Summer | Harvest flowers regularly, water containers, and dry flowers for storage. |
| Fall | Let a few flowers go to seed if you want German chamomile to self-sow. |
| Winter | Plan next year’s herb garden and enjoy dried chamomile tea. |
Final Thoughts
Chamomile is a beautiful, useful, beginner-friendly herb that earns its place in the garden. German chamomile is the best choice if you want abundant flowers for tea, while Roman chamomile is ideal for low perennial plantings, fragrant pathways, and ground cover.
Give chamomile sun, well-drained soil, gentle watering, and regular harvesting, and it will reward you with delicate flowers all season. Dry the flowers carefully, store them in airtight jars, and you can enjoy homegrown chamomile tea long after the garden season ends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Chamomile
Is chamomile easy to grow?
Yes. Chamomile is easy to grow from seed and does well in sunny, well-drained locations. German chamomile is commonly grown as an annual, while Roman chamomile is a perennial ground cover.
Does chamomile come back every year?
Roman chamomile is a perennial and can return each year in suitable climates. German chamomile is an annual, but it often self-seeds if some flowers are allowed to mature.
Which chamomile is best for tea?
German chamomile is usually the best choice for tea because it produces many flowers and is commonly grown for harvest. Roman chamomile can also be used, but it is often grown as a ground cover.
Can chamomile grow in pots?
Yes. Chamomile grows well in containers as long as the pot has drainage holes, the soil drains well, and the plant receives enough sunlight.
When should I harvest chamomile?
Harvest chamomile flowers when they are fully open. Pick in the morning after dew dries but before intense heat.
Can I use fresh chamomile flowers for tea?
Yes. Fresh chamomile flowers can be used for tea. Use more fresh flowers than dried flowers because fresh flowers contain water and have a lighter flavor.
How do I dry chamomile for tea?
Spread flowers in a single layer in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place until they are crisp and fully dry. Store in an airtight jar away from light and moisture.
Does chamomile need full sun?
Chamomile grows best in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, morning sun with afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress.
Is chamomile safe for everyone?
No. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to ragweed or related plants, taking blood thinners, using sedatives, or taking prescription medication should speak with a healthcare professional before using chamomile.
Can chamomile spread too much?
German chamomile can self-seed freely if flowers are allowed to mature. Roman chamomile can spread as a low ground cover. Harvesting flowers regularly helps control unwanted spreading.
