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Chamomile

Herbs

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

RHS Plants for Pollinators

German Chamomile is a well-known herbal plant that can be used to make a soothing tea. The highly aromatic, fern-like foliage grows to around knee-height, with white daisy-like flowers that are loved by wildlife and bloom for a long period. Grow in a sunny spot.

Position
Full Sun
Height
30cm
Spread
45cm

Growing calendar

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Sow indoors
Sow outdoors
Flowering
Harvest

Sowing & growing

Sow in-situ March-May, or Aug-Oct in fine soil. Autumn sowings will germinate the following spring. Can also be sown under cover March-April or Aug-October and overwintered. Transplant indoor-grown seedlings into individual pots when large enough. Plant out into final position in May-June after risk of frost has passed.

Aftercare

Will self-seed, so remove flowers regularly if you do not want it to spread. When harvesting the flowers for use, wait until they are fully open, preferably in the morning.

Ref. SEC017