When to plant chamomile for a successful harvest

When to plant chamomile : sow it in spring, as soon as the last frosts have passed (generally between March and May depending on your region), or in autumn between September and October for early germination the following spring.

Chamomile is one of the most widely cultivated medicinal plants in Europe. According to a 2015 EMA publication [ 1 ], Matricaria chamomilla is among the plants with a well-established traditional use, with millennia of documented cultivation. Choosing the right planting time is key to a bountiful harvest.

• ✅ Spring sowing: March to May, after the last frosts
• ✅ Autumn sowing: September to October, for a head start on the season
• ✅ Planting in pots: spring or autumn, depending on the variety
• ✅ Ideal exposure: full sun, well-drained soil
• ✅ Two main varieties: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Spring or autumn: which season should you choose to plant chamomile?

The question of when to plant chamomile comes up every year for both novice and experienced gardeners. The answer depends primarily on the variety and your climate zone. Generally speaking, there are two planting windows.

Spring sowing remains the most common method. As soon as the temperature rises above 5°C at night and the risk of frost has definitively passed, you can sow directly outdoors. In most regions of France, this corresponds to the period from mid-March to the end of May .

Autumn sowing , between September and October, allows the seed to overwinter in dormancy and germinate very early in the spring. This technique, called direct sowing, often produces more robust plants and earlier flowering.

Roman chamomile vs. German chamomile: two distinct calendars

Knowing when to plant chamomile first requires identifying your variety. These two species don't have exactly the same growing requirements. Roman chamomile or German chamomile: which one to choose?

Roman chamomile is a perennial: once established, it returns every year. German chamomile, an annual, needs to be sown each season—but it often self-seeds if you let it go to seed.

How to sow chamomile directly in the ground in spring

To successfully plant chamomile in the spring, follow these precise steps. Direct sowing is the simplest and most economical technique.

1. Prepare the soil : loosen the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm, remove weeds and stones.
2. Refine the surface : chamomile needs a very fine seedbed, as its seeds are tiny.
3. Sow broadcast : mix the seeds with sand to distribute them better.
4. Do not cover : chamomile seeds need light to germinate — do not bury them.
5. Lightly tamp down with the palm of your hand or a roller to ensure soil-seed contact.
6. Water with a fine spray so as not to disturb the seeds.
7. Wait 10 to 14 days to see the first sprouts.

Chamomile germination requires a soil temperature of at least 10°C. Below this temperature, the seeds remain dormant without deteriorating.

Sowing chamomile in the autumn: advantages and precautions

Autumn sowing is an excellent answer to the question of when to plant chamomile for gardeners who want to get a head start. This method replicates the plant's natural cycle, as it self-seeds spontaneously at the end of the season.

• Sow between mid-September and mid-October, before the first severe frosts.
• The seeds spend the winter dormant in the cold soil.
• Natural cold stratification improves the germination rate.
• The plants sprout as soon as the first warm spells arrive in February-March.
• Flowering is often 2 to 3 weeks earlier than with spring sowing.

Note: In very cold areas (mountains, north-east France), spring sowing is preferred for German chamomile, which is more sensitive to frost before germination.

Planting chamomile in pots: the beginner's method

If you're wondering when to plant chamomile seedlings purchased from a garden center, the answer is simple: in spring, starting in April, or in autumn, in September. This method is ideal for beginners as it avoids the tricky step of sowing seeds. Where to buy chamomile for infusion: the complete guide

• Choose pots with dense green foliage and no yellowing.
• Space the plants 20 to 30 cm for German chamomile, 30 to 40 cm for Roman chamomile.
• Water the pot thoroughly before removing it from its container.
• Plant at the same depth as in the pot — do not bury the crown.
• Water thoroughly after planting, then gradually reduce watering.

Roman chamomile planted in pots in the fall takes root throughout the winter and grows vigorously in the spring. This is often the best option for achieving flowering in the first year.

What type of soil and exposure are best for planting chamomile?

Understanding when to plant chamomile isn't enough: you also need to provide it with the right conditions. Chamomile is an undemanding plant, but a few parameters are non-negotiable.

• Exposure : full sun required, minimum 6 hours per day.
• Soil : light, well-drained, slightly sandy. It dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils.
• pH : between 5.6 and 7.5 — it tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils.
• Fertility : poor soil is perfectly suitable. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Humidity : moderate watering, only in case of prolonged drought.

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research (2011) [2] showed that the apigenin of chamomile flowers is significantly higher in plants grown in full sun with well-drained soil.

Growing chamomile in a pot: is it possible?

You can absolutely decide when to plant chamomile in a pot, on a balcony or terrace. Chamomile adapts well to container gardening, provided you follow a few rules.

• Choose a pot that is at least 20 cm in diameter and depth.
• Use a mixture of universal potting soil and sand (2/3 - 1/3).
• Ensure perfect drainage: drainage hole required, clay balls at the bottom.
• Place the pot in full sun, preferably facing south or southwest.
• Water as soon as the first centimeter of soil is dry.

When planting chamomile in pots, the ideal time is spring (April-May), as pots are more susceptible to frost damage than plants in the ground during winter. What is chamomile? Definition, benefits, and uses

Combining chamomile in the garden: what neighboring plants?

Chamomile is an excellent companion plant. Many gardeners include it in their crop rotations for its beneficial effects on neighboring plants. According to the principles of permaculture and the crop associations documented by INRAE​​[ 3], chamomile stimulates the growth of certain aromatic and vegetable plants.

• Excellent pairings : onions, cabbage, wheat, cucumbers, basil.
• Associations to avoid : peppermint (root competition), garlic in large quantities.
• Repellent effect : attracts pollinating insects and repels certain aphids.
• Effect on the soil : its roots release substances that improve soil structure.

Planting chamomile along the edge of a vegetable garden is an age-old practice that remains valid according to modern agronomic observations. Why is chamomile good? 9 proven benefits

Post-planting maintenance: watering, pruning and harvesting

Once you know when to plant chamomile and your plants are established, maintenance is minimal. It's one of the easiest plants to grow.

1. Watering : once a week in the absence of rain, less in heavy soil.
2. Weed control : remove weeds during the first few weeks, until the chamomile is well established.
3. Pruning : pinch the stems after the first flowering to stimulate a second wave of flowers.
4. Harvesting : Pick the flower heads as soon as they fully open, preferably in the morning.
5. Drying : spread the flowers on a rack in the shade and in the open air for 1 to 2 weeks.

Harvesting typically takes place 6 to 8 weeks after spring sowing. Perennial Roman chamomile flowers every year without significant intervention. Which chamomile is best for herbal tea: Roman or German chamomile?

Propagating chamomile: sowing seeds, cuttings and division

Mastering when to plant chamomile also involves knowing propagation methods. You don't need to buy new seeds every year.

• Sowing from your own seeds : let some flowers go to seed at the end of the season, harvest the dry flower heads and keep the seeds dry until spring.
• Division of clumps (Roman chamomile only): in spring or autumn, divide established clumps and replant the divisions.
• Cuttings : take non-flowering stems in June-July, plunge them into damp sand for 3 to 4 weeks.

German chamomile often self-seeds if you don't harvest all the flowers. This is a natural and economical way to perpetuate your planting. How much chamomile tea per day: dosage and tips

Planting chamomile with the moon: myth or reality?

The question of when to plant chamomile often arises in the context of biodynamic gardening and the lunar calendar. Some sources, such as Kokopelli Semences, suggest specific planting dates linked to the lunar cycle.

From a scientific perspective, studies on the influence of the moon on germination remain inconclusive. A review published in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture (2020) [4] found no statistically significant effect of the lunar calendar on the yield of aromatic plants under controlled conditions.

That said, many readers tell us that following the lunar calendar brings regularity to their gardening practices, which in itself improves results. The key is to respect minimum temperatures and soil conditions. Roman chamomile essential oil: how to use it

Benefits of growing your own chamomile: why get started?

Knowing when to plant chamomile in your garden or on your balcony also means choosing a plant with properties recognized by health authorities. The NCCIH [5] recognizes the traditional use of chamomile for its calming and digestive properties.

• Harvesting fresh flowers for homemade herbal teas, without additives.
• Production of artisanal essential oil (Roman chamomile).
• Cosmetic use: infusion for hair rinsing, skin care.
• A nectar-producing plant that attracts bees and butterflies.
• Very low production cost: a packet of seeds costs less than €3 for dozens of plants.

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Common mistakes to avoid when planting chamomile

Even knowing when to plant chamomile, some common mistakes can compromise your harvest. Here are the pitfalls to absolutely avoid.

• Bury the seeds : chamomile needs light to germinate — place the seeds on the surface.
• Sowing too early : cold soil (less than 8°C) blocks germination without killing the seeds, but wastes time.
• Overwatering : excess water causes root rot and fungal diseases.
• Soil too rich : too much compost favors leaves at the expense of flowers.
• Partial shade : without at least 6 hours of sun, flowering is poor and the active ingredients are less concentrated.
• Neglecting harvesting : if the flowers are not picked regularly, the plant stops flowering.

French regions: adapting the planting calendar

The answer to when to plant chamomile varies depending on your climate zone in France. Here is a calendar adapted to each region.

• Mediterranean region (PACA, Occitanie) : spring sowing from February-March, autumn sowing until November.
• Atlantic region (Brittany, Pays de la Loire) : spring sowing in March-April, autumn sowing in September-October.
• Continental region (Alsace, Burgundy) : wait until April for spring, sow before mid-September in the autumn.
• Mountainous region (Alps, Pyrenees) : spring sowing only, in May-June depending on altitude.
• Île-de-France and north : mid-March to end of April in spring, September for autumn.

Frequently asked questions about when to plant chamomile

When to plant chamomile in France?

The best time to plant chamomile in France is spring, between March and May depending on the region, as soon as the risk of nighttime frosts has passed. Autumn (September-October) is also possible for direct sowing.

Can chamomile be sown in winter?

No, direct sowing in winter is not recommended. Chamomile seeds can survive the cold in a dormant state, but germination requires a soil temperature of at least 8 to 10°C. Wait until after the last frost to know when it is safe to plant chamomile

When to plant Roman chamomile in pots?

Roman chamomile in pots is planted in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Autumn planting is often preferable: the roots establish themselves during the winter and the plant starts vigorously in spring.

How long after sowing does chamomile flower?

Chamomile typically flowers 6 to 10 weeks after spring sowing. Sowing in March can therefore produce flowers as early as May or June. Roman chamomile planted in pots can flower in its first year.

Should chamomile seeds be stratified before planting?

No, stratification is not necessary for chamomile. Its seeds germinate directly in the light without prior treatment. Autumn sowing provides natural cold stratification, which can improve the germination rate the following spring.

Does chamomile regrow every year?

Roman chamomile is a perennial: it returns every year without self-seeding. German chamomile is an annual, but it often self-seeds if you allow a few flowers to go to seed. Knowing when to plant chamomile once is therefore often enough for several years.

Can chamomile be planted in the shade?

No, chamomile needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In the shade, it grows but flowers very little. The content of active ingredients (apigenin, bisabolol) is also reduced in plants grown without sufficient sunlight.

When to plant chamomile in a pot on a balcony?

On a balcony, the best time to plant chamomile is in the spring, between April and May. Pots are more susceptible to frost than plants in the ground, so avoid autumn sowing in pots except in regions with very mild winters.

How much space should I leave between chamomile plants?

Space German chamomile plants 20 to 30 cm apart, and Roman chamomile plants 30 to 40 cm apart. Sufficient spacing improves air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Do you need to water often after planting chamomile?

No, chamomile is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly for the first two weeks after sowing or planting, then gradually reduce watering. Weekly watering is sufficient in summer when there is no rain.

Can chamomile be planted with other aromatic herbs?

Yes, chamomile pairs very well with most aromatic herbs: basil, chives, parsley, and dill. It's also an excellent companion plant for vegetables like onions and cabbage. Avoid planting it too close to mint, which can be invasive.

How do I know when to harvest chamomile after planting it?

Harvest the chamomile flowers when the white petals begin to fold downwards (slightly backwards). At this stage, the concentration of active ingredients is at its highest. Pick in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, for optimal drying.

Key takeaways

Knowing when to plant chamomile is simple: choose spring (March to May) after the last frost, or autumn (September-October) for early germination. Perennial Roman chamomile and annual German chamomile have slightly different needs, but both appreciate light, well-drained soil and full sun.

Whether you choose direct sowing, planting in pots, or propagation by division, to plant chamomile depends on your region and variety. Maintenance is minimal and harvesting is quick.

Practical action: Get a packet of German chamomile seeds now and mark the date of the last frost in your area on your calendar—this will be your signal to sow. Your first harvest of flowers could arrive in less than 8 weeks.

Sources and studies

1. Assessment report on Matricaria recutita L., flos — European Medicines Agency (EMA), 2015
2. Effect of growing conditions on apigenin content in Matricaria chamomilla — Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011
3. Plant associations and companion plants: agronomic data — INRAE, 2022
4. Lunar calendar gardening: a systematic review of evidence — Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, 2020
5. Chamomile — Health Information — NCCIH, 2023