How to Grow Chamomile in New Zealand

German chamomile self-seeds prolifically and is the usual one for tea. Harvest the flowers when the petals start to droop back. It makes a good companion near brassicas and other vegetables.

When to plant chamomile in New Zealand

Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:

Region	When to sow or plant
Northland	February, March, April, August, September, October
Auckland	February, March, April, August, September, October
Waikato & BoP	February, March, April, August, September, October
Wellington	February, March, April, August, September, October
Nelson & Marlborough	February, March, April, August, September, October
Canterbury	February, March, April, August, September, October
Otago & Southland	February, March, April, August, September, October
Central Otago	February, March, April, August, September, October

Best chamomile varieties for NZ

German Chamomile — Annual type grown for its daisy flowers for tea, self-seeds readily. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
Roman Chamomile — Low perennial form, also used for a fragrant lawn or path edging. (Egmont Seeds, garden centres)

How to grow chamomile

Space plants about 20cm apart.
Sow seed around 0.2cm deep.
Position: full sun.
Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
Seeds germinate in about 14 days.

Companion planting

Grow chamomile near: Brassicas, Onion, Lettuce.

Pests and problems

Watch for: Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.

For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Chamomile plant page.

FAQ

When is the best time to plant chamomile in New Zealand?

In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.

Where can I buy chamomile seeds or plants in NZ?

Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, garden centres.