How to grow Chamomile in New Zealand
Chamomile is a small, daisy-flowered herb grown for its apple-scented flowers, which are dried for a mild, relaxing tea. There are two kinds: German chamomile, an upright annual that is the usual one for tea and self-seeds freely, and Roman chamomile, a low, spreading perennial used as a fragrant ground cover or lawn substitute. Both bring hoverflies and bees into the garden.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Chamomile in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | February to April, August to October | |
| Auckland | February to April, August to October | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | February to April, August to October | |
| Central North Island | February to April, September and October | Skip August in the central North Island. Hard frosts and cold soil stall seedlings, so start in September, under a cloche if you can. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | February to April, August to October | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February to April, August to October | |
| Canterbury | February and March, September and October | Start spring sowings in Sep under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to mid October. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | February and March, October | Start spring sowings in Oct under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to late October. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | February, October | Start spring sowings in Oct under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run into early November. Make the last sowing in Feb so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
Where to plant
Grow chamomile in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. It does not need rich soil. German chamomile suits a herb bed or the edges of the vege garden, where its flowers draw beneficial insects; Roman chamomile makes a fragrant ground cover or a lawn substitute in areas with light foot traffic.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow from August to October and February to April.
- Central North Island: skip August, as hard frosts and cold soil stall seedlings. Start in September, under a cloche if you can.
- Canterbury: sow in September and October, starting under a cloche or frost cloth, and again in February and March.
- Otago and Southland: sow in October under a cloche or frost cloth, and in February and March.
- Central Otago: sow in October under cover, and in February.
Choosing a variety
- German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): an upright annual to about 60 cm, the classic tea chamomile. It self-seeds readily and does not form a ground cover.
- Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): a low perennial about 20 cm tall with single daisy flowers from mid summer to mid autumn, used for ground cover, paths and chamomile lawns.
How to plant
- Sow the tiny seed on the surface of seed raising mix or fine soil and press it in lightly; it needs light to germinate, so barely cover it.
- Mist gently and keep moist until seedlings appear in 7 to 14 days.
- Transplant or thin to about 15 to 20 cm apart. For a Roman chamomile lawn, plant about 20 plants per square metre.
- Once seedlings are about 5 cm tall, mulch lightly with bark or pea straw.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moist while seedlings establish, then water only in dry spells. Chamomile needs little or no feeding.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick flowers regularly to keep German chamomile flowering.
- Leave some flowers to set seed if you want German chamomile to come back next year.
- For a Roman chamomile lawn, mow on a high setting to encourage the plants to spread sideways.
Harvesting
Pick German chamomile flowers when they are fully open, just before the white petals fold right back, on a dry morning. Harvest every few days through the flowering season.
Dry the flower heads on a screen or paper in an airy spot out of the sun until crisp, then store them in a sealed jar for up to six months.
Growing in pots
Chamomile grows well in a pot at least 20 cm wide and deep, in full sun or light shade, with good drainage. Keep the mix moist until seedlings are established.
Using it
Steep a teaspoon or two of dried flowers, or a small handful of fresh ones, in hot water for a few minutes for chamomile tea. People allergic to daisy family plants, such as ragweed or chrysanthemums, can react to chamomile.
Companion planting
Chamomile's small flowers feed hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help control aphids and caterpillars on vegetables.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Chamomile has few problems.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids New leaves distorted and yellow, with insects crowded on young shoots and sooty mould.
- Mealybug Distorted new growth with a white, cottony substance where leaves join the stem.
- Slugs Seedlings chewed off, with slime trails.
Diseases to watch for
- Damping off Seedlings that collapse at soil level. Sow thinly, water gently and avoid soggy mix.
Common questions
Which chamomile is best for tea?
German chamomile, an upright annual, is the usual choice for tea. Roman chamomile is mainly grown as a low ground cover, though its flowers can also be used.
When do I sow chamomile in New Zealand?
In most regions from August to October and February to April. In Canterbury and the south, start in September or October under a cloche.
How do I harvest chamomile flowers?
Pick them when fully open, before the petals fold right back, on a dry morning. Pick every few days to keep the plants flowering.
Can I make a chamomile lawn?
Yes, with Roman chamomile, in areas with light foot traffic. Plant about 20 plants per square metre and mow on a high setting so it spreads.
Does chamomile come back every year?
Roman chamomile is a perennial. German chamomile is an annual, but it self-seeds freely, so it usually returns.
Why are my chamomile seeds not germinating?
They are tiny and need light. Sow them on the surface, press them in lightly without covering, and keep them moist.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow chamomile; Yates NZ: Common problems of chamomile; Kings Seeds: German Chamomile; Kings Seeds: Roman Chamomile.