How to Grow Chamomile in Australia
A cool-season herb crop for the home garden
Growing your own Chamomile is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week on herbal teas, self-seeds freely after the first year.
This guide covers when to plant Chamomile in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Chamomile is a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Chamomile full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 12 and 22 degrees.
German chamomile self-seeds prolifically. Harvest flowers when petals droop back. Companion plant that improves the health of nearby brassicas.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Damping off. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Chamomile is typically ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months). Dry flowers thoroughly and store in a sealed jar, up to 6 months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, chamomile is good dried flowers brewed as calming tea, added to baking for floral flavour, infused into honey and made into chamomile cordial. Nutritionally: traditional relaxation and sleep herb and soothes digestion and reduces stress.
Companion Planting
Chamomile grows well alongside Brassicas, Onion and Lettuce. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Chamomile Growing
Add chamomile to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chamomile in Australia?
Chamomile is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Chamomile take to grow?
Chamomile is generally ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Chamomile in a pot?
Yes. Chamomile grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Chamomile need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Chamomile in the Plant Library
