How to Grow Chamomile: Complete UK Guide

Few plants carry as much quiet recognition as chamomile. The small white and yellow daisy flowers, the apple-sweet scent released when you brush against the leaves, the association with calm evenings and unhurried moments — chamomile has been a fixture in British herb gardens for centuries, and for good reason. It is generous, beautiful, and useful in equal measure.

There are two chamomiles worth knowing about, and they are different enough that it is worth choosing the right one for your purpose. Both reward the grower. Neither demands very much in return.

German Chamomile vs Roman Chamomile: Which to Grow?

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual, growing to 60-90cm with upright branching stems and masses of small daisy flowers. It is the chamomile most commonly used for tea and herbal preparations, and self-seeds prolifically — plant it once in the right spot and it will return reliably for years. The flowers have a rich, sweet apple fragrance that intensifies as they dry.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing perennial, spreading to form a dense aromatic mat only 20-30cm tall. It is wonderfully ornamental — the classic chamomile lawn plant — and releases its sweet fragrance when walked upon or brushed. It also produces flowers suitable for tea, though German chamomile is the more productive of the two for this purpose.

Both are worth growing if you have the space. If you want chamomile primarily for tea, grow German. If you want ground cover, a fragrant lawn, or a low border edging, grow Roman. We offer German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile as plants.

Growing German Chamomile in the UK

Soil and Position

German chamomile prefers a light, well-drained soil and a sunny position. It tolerates poor, sandy soils well — in fact, overly rich or fertile soil tends to produce excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) suits it well. Full sun is ideal; partial shade is tolerated but flower production will be reduced.

When to Plant

Plant German chamomile plants in spring (April to May) after the last frost. As an annual, it will complete its life cycle — germinate, flower, set seed, die — within a single growing season. Allow it to self-seed and you will have plants returning year after year from the same spot.

Planting Out

• Space plants 20-30cm apart
• Plant at the same depth as the plug
• Water in well after planting
• Minimal further care required once established in a sunny, well-drained position

Growing Roman Chamomile in the UK

Soil and Position

Roman chamomile shares a preference for light, well-drained soil in a sunny position. As a perennial it develops a more extensive root system than German chamomile and will spread laterally over time, making it effective as ground cover. It is fully hardy across the UK and will return each spring without intervention.

Planting Out

• Space plants 30-45cm apart for ground cover; closer for a chamomile lawn
• Plant at the same depth as the plug
• Water in well; once established it requires minimal watering
• Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a neat, compact habit

Harvesting Chamomile Flowers

Harvest flowers when they are fully open — the petals lying flat or just beginning to reflex back from the yellow centre. This is when the aromatic compounds are at their peak. Pick in the morning after any dew has dried, using your fingers or a wide-toothed chamomile rake if you have a large planting.

Spread flowers in a single layer on a drying rack or paper and dry in a warm, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. Fully dried flowers store well in an airtight jar for up to a year. The dried flowers have a concentrated sweet apple scent that is quite different from — and in many ways more pleasant than — the fresh flower.

A chamomile tea is one of the most simple and satisfying things you can make from a herb garden: a heaped teaspoon of dried flowers in hot water, steeped for five minutes, strained and drunk warm. It blends beautifully with lemon balm and valerian for a deeper calming blend.

Chamomile in Herbal Tradition

Chamomile is one of the oldest and most widely used herbs in European herbal tradition. It appears in ancient Egyptian medical papyri, was used by Greek and Roman physicians, and has been a staple of British herb gardens since at least the medieval period. It is traditionally associated with calm and gentle relaxation, digestive comfort, and skin care. It is one of the most recognisable herbal teas in the world — and one that genuinely rewards growing at home, where the freshness of the dried flowers makes a considerable difference to the final cup.

As with all herbs, we recommend consulting a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional before use, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication. Chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae family and may cause reactions in people with allergies to related plants.

More in the Sleep & Calm Series

Chamomile is a cornerstone of any calm and sleep herb garden. Read our full guide: Best Herbs for Sleep and Relaxation: A UK Grower's Guide, or explore:

• How to Grow Valerian: Complete UK Guide
• How to Grow Lemon Balm: Complete UK Guide
• How to Make a Calming Herbal Tea Blend at Home
• How to Grow American Skullcap: Complete UK Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chamomile easy to grow in the UK?

Yes — both German and Roman chamomile are well-suited to UK growing conditions. German chamomile is particularly forgiving and will self-seed readily once established.

What is the difference between German and Roman Chamomile for tea?

Both make excellent tea, but German chamomile is generally preferred for this purpose — it produces more flowers per plant and has a slightly richer, sweeter flavour. Roman chamomile flowers are also usable but the plant is less productive.

Can I grow Chamomile in a pot?

Yes — chamomile grows well in containers, particularly German chamomile. Use a pot of at least 25cm diameter, a light well-draining compost, and a sunny windowsill or patio position.

Why is my Chamomile not flowering?

The most common reason is insufficient sunlight. Chamomile needs a sunny position to flower well. Overly rich or moist soil can also encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Move to a sunnier spot and avoid high-nitrogen feeds.

The information in this article is intended for general interest and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant or herb for health purposes, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.