How to grow Chamomile in Australia
Chamomile is the classic herb for a calming cup of tea: small, apple-scented daisies on feathery foliage. Two different plants share the name. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an upright annual grown from seed and is the best for tea; Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low, spreading perennial often used as a fragrant groundcover. This guide mainly covers German chamomile.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Chamomile in Australia
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Frost-tolerant; Melbourne cool season suits. Extend window Mar to Sep. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to September | |
| Perth & WA | March to September | |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Thrives in cool summers and self-seeds. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to September | Chamomile sow spring-autumn; cold-hardy annual; self-seeds readily; use for herbal tea; blooms profusely in cool season. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Chamomile prefers cooler months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Chamomile prefers cooler months. |
Not to be confused with: Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea), a common weed with similar feathery leaves and yellow, petal-less flower heads.
Where to plant
Grow chamomile in a sunny spot in light, rich, well-drained soil with compost dug in. It suits cool, cool temperate and warm temperate climates. In hot, dry areas a little shelter helps. The soil should stay evenly moist: chamomile rots if waterlogged, but neither German nor Roman chamomile likes to dry out.
German chamomile has naturalised occasionally in several states, but it is considered a low weed risk. It self-seeds, so check local advice before planting near bushland.
- Melbourne and Canberra: sow from March to September; it is frost tolerant and self-seeds readily.
- Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: sow from March to September, in the cooler months.
- Hobart: sow from September to November; it thrives in cool summers.
- North Queensland and Darwin: try it in the cooler dry season, May to September.
Choosing a variety
- German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual, about 40 to 60 cm tall, with the better flavour for tea.
- Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial that forms a low mat and can make a chamomile lawn in areas with light foot traffic.
- Treneague is a non-flowering Roman chamomile used for lawns. It is grown from plants, not seed.
How to plant
- Scatter the very fine seed thinly on the surface of damp seed-raising mix or finely raked soil and press it in. Do not cover it, as it needs light to germinate.
- Keep the surface moist with a fine spray; seedlings usually appear in one to two weeks.
- Thin or plant out seedlings about 15 to 20 cm apart.
- Water gently until plants are established.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil evenly moist, watering young plants regularly and established plants in dry spells, and keep it moist through hot weather. Do not let it sit waterlogged, which causes rot. Rich, organic soil is enough; chamomile needs little extra feeding.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick flowers often; regular picking brings on more blooms.
- Trim German chamomile lightly to keep it compact and bushy.
- At the end of the season, let a few flowers set seed. German chamomile self-seeds and comes back next year.
Picking and drying flowers
Pick newly opened flowers through the flowering season, on a dry morning. Spread them in a single layer somewhere warm, dry and out of direct sun for a week or two until completely dry, then store them in an airtight jar away from light.
Growing in pots
Chamomile grows well in a pot at least 20 cm wide with a good potting mix. Check it every day in warm weather so the mix stays evenly moist.
Using it
- For tea, steep about a teaspoon of dried flowers, or a few more fresh ones, in a cup of boiling water for a few minutes, then strain.
- The flowers can also be used as a garnish or in potpourri.
- Chamomile is in the daisy family. People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are more likely to react to it. It may interact with some medicines, including warfarin, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy, so check with a doctor if that applies to you.
Companion planting
Chamomile is traditionally planted near cabbage family crops and onions. There is little evidence behind the tradition, but its small daisy flowers do bring insects into the garden.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Chamomile has few problems. Aphids on young shoots and rot in wet soil are the main ones.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on young shoots and flower stems.
- Thrips Silvery, speckled leaves and distorted flowers.
- Slugs Seedlings and young shoots chewed, with slime trails. Snails do the same.
Diseases to watch for
- Damping off Seedlings collapse at the base. Do not overwater seedlings and give them good air flow.
- Root rot Plants yellow and collapse in waterlogged soil.
Common questions
Which chamomile is best for tea?
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has the better flavour for tea. Roman chamomile is a low perennial more often grown as a groundcover or lawn.
Should chamomile seeds be covered?
No. The seed needs light to germinate. Scatter it on the surface, press it in and keep it moist.
How long does chamomile take to flower?
German chamomile usually flowers within about ten weeks of sowing.
How do I dry chamomile flowers for tea?
Pick newly opened flowers, spread them in a single layer somewhere warm, dry and out of direct sun for a week or two, then store them in an airtight jar.
Does chamomile come back every year?
Roman chamomile is a perennial. German chamomile is an annual, but it self-seeds, so new plants often come up the next season.
Can I grow a chamomile lawn?
Yes, with Roman chamomile, in an area with light foot traffic. The non-flowering variety Treneague is the usual choice and needs little clipping.
Is chamomile safe for everyone?
Not for everyone. People allergic to daisy family plants, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums or marigolds, may react to it, and it may interact with some medicines, including warfarin. Check with a doctor if you are pregnant or take regular medicines.
Sources we checked: Gardening Australia: Plant Profile, Chamomile; Gardening Australia: Herbal Tea Plants; RHS: How to grow chamomile; NCCIH: Chamomile.