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Chamomile Planting Guide

When to Plant Chamomile in Australia

What Is Chamomile?

Growing Conditions

How to Plant Chamomile

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Common Pests & Growing Issues

Companion Planting

Harvesting Chamomile

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

How to Use & Prepare Chamomile

Drying, Storing & Preserving

Is Chamomile Right for Your Garden?

How to Grow Chamomile

Botanical Name: Phaseolus Vulgaris

Native to Europe and western Asia, chamomile is a delicate herb with fine foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with golden centres.

Traditionally valued for its calming and soothing properties, it has long been used in herbal teas and gentle home remedies.

Do you want to learn how to grow chamomile? If so, let’s dive in.

Chamomile Planting Guide

Method

Seedlings or direct

Sowing Depth

1mm

Season

Warm

Germination

7-14 days @ 20-30°c

Hardiness & Life Cycle

Hardy Annual

Row Spacing

35 – 45cm

Plant Spacing

30cm

Position

Full Sun

Days Until Maturity

65 Days

When to Plant Chamomile in Australia

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cool
Mild
Sub-Tropical
Tropical
Arid

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile is one of the most widely grown medicinal herbs in the world, traditionally valued for its calming and soothing qualities. With its delicate daisy-like flowers and gentle aroma, it has long been used in teas and home remedies.

Easy to grow and fast to flower, chamomile is an ideal herb for beginner gardeners. It suits garden beds, containers, and even small spaces, making it a versatile addition to any home herb garden.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Requirements

Chamomile grows best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Full sun encourages stronger plants and more abundant flowering.

Soil & Drainage

Well-draining soil is essential. Chamomile prefers lighter soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Watering Needs

Water regularly during establishment. Once established, chamomile requires only moderate watering and prefers slightly drier conditions.

Temperature & Frost Tolerance

Chamomile tolerates cool temperatures and light frosts. It grows best in mild conditions and may struggle in extreme heat.

How to Plant Chamomile

When to Plant in Australia

Chamomile can be planted from autumn through spring, depending on your climate zone.

Sowing Seeds

Seeds are best sown directly or started as seedlings. Sow seeds very shallowly, around 1 mm deep, as light aids germination.

Germination & Early Growth

Seeds usually germinate within 7–14 days in warm conditions. Seedlings grow quickly and benefit from good airflow.

Transplanting & Spacing

Space plants around 30 cm apart to allow for airflow and easy harvesting.

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Watering Once Established

Water during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as chamomile prefers slightly drier soil once established.

Feeding & Soil Health

Chamomile does not require heavy feeding. Excess nutrients can reduce flower production.

Pruning & General Maintenance

Regular harvesting of flowers encourages continued blooming. Remove spent flowers to keep plants tidy.

Common Pests & Growing Issues

Common Pests

Chamomile is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids. These are usually easily managed.

Diseases & Fungal Issues

Overwatering and poor airflow can lead to fungal problems. Ensure good drainage and adequate spacing.

Environmental Problems

Excess heat or humidity may reduce flowering. Providing airflow and avoiding overcrowding helps prevent issues.

Companion Planting

Good Companion Plants

Chamomile grows well alongside vegetables and herbs and is often considered beneficial in the garden. It pairs well with cabbage, onions, basil, and mint.

Plants to Avoid

There are no major companion conflicts, though overcrowding should be avoided.

Harvesting Chamomile

When to Harvest

Flowers are best harvested when fully open, typically just after the petals flatten back from the centre.

How to Harvest Different Plant Parts

Flowers: Pick regularly to encourage more blooms
Leaves: Rarely used; flowers are the primary harvest

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. It has commonly been taken as a tea to promote relaxation, support sleep, and ease digestive discomfort.

Externally, chamomile flowers have traditionally been used in compresses, baths, and washes to soothe minor skin irritations and tired eyes. These uses are based on historical practice rather than modern medical claims.

How to Use & Prepare Chamomile

Making Herbal Tea

Fresh or dried flowers are brewed into a gentle herbal tea traditionally used for relaxation and digestion.

Tinctures & Extracts

Chamomile can be prepared as a tincture using fresh or dried flowers for longer-term storage.

Oils, Salves & External Uses

Infused oils made from the flowers have traditionally been used in balms and skin-care preparations.

Drying, Storing & Preserving

Drying Methods

Harvest flowers and dry in a single layer in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated area.

Storage Tips & Shelf Life

Store dried flowers in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Properly stored chamomile retains quality for many months.

Is Chamomile Right for Your Garden?

Chamomile is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow herb with gentle traditional uses. Fast growing, productive, and low maintenance, it’s well suited to beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

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