What Month Do You Plant Chamomile Seeds?

If you’re looking to grow chamomile in your garden, you might be wondering: "Which is the best month for it?"

This plant known for its delicate, daisy-like flowers and calming properties, is a popular herb among gardeners. To ensure a bountiful harvest of flowers, it's essential to plant your seeds at the right time.

Depending on your climate and whether you're planting indoors or outdoors, the optimal planting time can vary. By planting at the ideal time, you’ll promote healthy growth and ensure your chamomile thrives throughout the season.

When to Plant Chamomile for the Best Results

Chamomile thrives when planted in early spring, just after the last frost has passed. In most regions, that sweet spot is around March or April. However, if you live in an area with milder winters, you can get a jump start by planting as early as February.

If you’re eager to get your chamomile growing sooner, starting the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost can give you a head start. Once the weather warms up, your seedlings will be ready to transition outside. Keep in mind that chamomile seeds are tiny and need a light touch—just a bit of warmth and sunshine will help them sprout.

Why Spring is Perfect for Chamomile

Springtime sets the ideal stage for chamomile because the ground starts warming up and daylight hours increase. The seeds are happiest when temperatures hover between 60°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C), giving them the right conditions to grow steadily without facing extreme weather swings.

Planting in spring gives your chamomile plants a full season to thrive, flower, and offer all the benefits chamomile is known for.

Preparing Your Garden

Before sowing your chamomile seeds, make sure your garden is ready. This herb does best in well-drained soil and enjoys plenty of sunlight. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your soil tends to be on the heavier side or is clay-based, mixing in some compost or sand can help with drainage.

To prepare the area, lightly rake the soil and remove any debris or weeds. Since chamomile seeds are so tiny, you’ll just need to press them gently into the soil’s surface rather than burying them deep. Afterward, give the area a gentle watering to moisten the soil without disturbing the seeds.

Planting Chamomile Seeds

The process is really simple. Scatter them over your prepared garden bed and press them into the soil’s surface. They prefer light to germinate, so no need to cover them with soil. Afterward, water gently to keep them in place and ensure they get the moisture they need.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but don’t overwater. You should start seeing seedlings pop up within 1 to 2 weeks. Once they reach 2-3 inches in height, thin them out to give each plant enough room to grow.

Starting Indoors: A Head Start

If you’d like to kick off the growing season early, planting chamomile seeds indoors is a great option. Fill small pots or seed trays with a light potting mix, scatter the seeds on top, and press them lightly onto the surface.

Place the trays in a warm, sunny spot—like a windowsill or under grow lights. Keep the soil damp but not too wet. Once the seeds germinate, you can transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed.

Starting indoors gives you more control over growing conditions and protects your plants from unpredictable early-spring weather. By the time outdoor planting season arrives, your seedlings will already be strong and ready to thrive in the garden.

Transplanting Chamomile into the Garden

Once the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C), it’s time to transplant your chamomile seedlings. Choose a mild day with no heavy rain on the horizon.

Dig small holes spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart and gently transfer your seedlings. Be careful not to damage their delicate roots. After transplanting, water them thoroughly.

Chamomile is a pretty low-maintenance plant. Water when the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Chamomile is drought-tolerant once it’s established, so it doesn’t need much attention. Fertilizing isn’t typically necessary, but if your soil is poor, a light dose of organic fertilizer once or twice during the season can give the plants a boost.

Harvesting Chamomile

The highlight of growing chamomile is the harvest. Flowers are ready to be picked once they’re fully open, with the white petals curling back. This usually happens about 60 to 70 days after planting.

Using scissors or garden shears, snip the flower heads off, and you’re all set. Regular harvesting encourages more blooms, extending the flowering period. Chamomile flowers can be used fresh or dried for tea, skincare, or home remedies.

After harvesting, dry your chamomile flowers by laying them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area. Once they’re fully dried, store them in an airtight container, away from moisture and light. Dried chamomile is perfect for making tea or incorporating it into other natural remedies.

This is a hardy, resilient herb that adds charm to any garden and can be used for a variety of purposes.

From teas to essential oils and natural remedies, chamomile offers year-round benefits when grown successfully.

Whether indoors or outdoors, starting your seeds at the right time will help you cultivate a healthy, flourishing plant that can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

Did you find this post Useful or Inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your GARDENING Board on Pinterest!