Chamomile should be ready to harvest this month. Check for size and colour.
Growing Calendar
This month: Sep
Log to journalReady to harvest now
- •Check size and ripeness
- •Harvest regularly
- •Store or use fresh
Watch Out For
Seed buried too deep won't germinate: chamomile needs light to trigger germination, press seed onto the surface rather than covering it
German and Roman chamomile are easily confused when buying seed or plants: German is a taller annual grown for abundant, sweeter-tasting flowers, Roman is a low, spreading perennial more often used as a lawn or ground cover
Poor air circulation in a hot, humid summer can bring on powdery mildew: space plants generously and avoid overhead watering in the evening
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems: no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Chamomile in the UK
Why won't my chamomile seeds germinate?
The most common reason is sowing too deep. Chamomile seed needs light to germinate and should be scattered on the surface of the compost, not covered. Keep the surface consistently moist, letting it dry out even once can stop germination.
What's the difference between German and Roman chamomile?
German chamomile is an upright annual that grows quickly and produces abundant flowers with a sweeter flavour, the better choice for a steady supply for tea. Roman chamomile is a low, spreading, mat-forming perennial, more often used as ground cover or a fragrant lawn alternative than grown for flowers.
When do I harvest chamomile flowers?
Pick flowers once they're fully open, usually from early summer, choosing a dry day. Regular picking encourages the plant to keep producing more flowers over several weeks.
How do I dry chamomile flowers for tea?
Spread picked flowers in a single layer somewhere warm, dry and out of direct sun, or use a dehydrator on a low setting. Once fully dry and crisp, store in an airtight container away from light.
Written from real growing experience, not just research. Read the story behind Pelham Gardens.
Member guides
There's more to growing Chamomile than this guide covers.
A Garden Journal to log what worked, a personalised sowing planner in My Garden, and monthly reminders timed to the calendar.
