Chamomile is a gentle, daisy-like annual herb that makes one of the world's most popular herbal teas, and Zone 10's cool season suits it perfectly. Sow it in autumn and it will flower through winter and spring, covering itself in small white-and-yellow blooms that smell faintly of apples.
Grow German chamomile for tea — it is the annual type with the strongest flavour and the highest flowers. Roman chamomile is a low perennial ground cover with a milder flavour. In Zone 10, treat German chamomile as a cool-season annual and let it self-sow for the next year.
Zone 10 at a glance
USDA Zone 10 covers the warmest parts of the United States — South Florida, the southernmost tip of Texas, coastal Southern California and Hawaii. Winters are mild, with average winter lows of 30 to 40°F, and the growing season runs nearly all year, with frost a rare event rather than a season marker.
The average last spring frost in Zone 10 is Jan 15–30, and the average first autumn frost is Dec 15–31 — and frost is rare in most Zone 10 gardens. These are USDA zone averages drawn from NOAA frost records, not exact dates for any one garden — always check your local extension service and the forecast before planting tender crops outside.
| Detail | Zone 10 guidance |
|---|---|
| Average winter low | 30 to 40°F |
| Average last spring frost | Jan 15–30 (frost rare; average/range) |
| Average first autumn frost | Dec 15–31 (frost rare; average/range) |
| Days to germination | 7–14 days |
| Days to maturity | 60–90 days |
| Sowing | both |
| Sun | full sun |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Spacing | 6–12 inches |
| Water needs | moderate |
| Cold tolerance | hardy |
When to plant chamomile in Zone 10
Sow chamomile in Zone 10 from October through February, direct-sown or started indoors — seed germinates in 7–14 days and plants mature in 60–90 days, so an autumn sowing is flowering by mid-winter. The average last spring frost is Jan 15–30 and the average first autumn frost is Dec 15–31, and frost is rare, so the timing is driven by heat, not cold: chamomile fades fast once hot weather arrives, so sow in the cool months and let plants finish before summer. Succession sow every few weeks for a longer flowering season.
Work back from the frost dates rather than from a calendar date: the planting calendar hub gives the Zone 10 picture month by month. The month guides for October in Zone 10 and January in Zone 10 show what else is happening at planting time. The seed starting calculator can help you work out your exact sowing dates.
Starting chamomile in Zone 10
Sow chamomile seed on the surface of fine, moist soil — it needs light to germinate, so do not cover it, just press it gently into the surface. Keep it moist for 7–14 days until it sprouts, then thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. Chamomile transplants reasonably well if handled gently, but direct sowing is simplest. Choose a sunny spot with soil that drains freely, and water gently so the tiny seedlings are not washed away. Once plants are growing, they need little attention beyond regular water.
Soil, spacing, sun and water
Chamomile needs full sun in Zone 10 — in the hottest months a little afternoon shade keeps leaves tender and prevents scorch, but too much shade weakens flavour and growth. It grows best in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Chamomile prefers light, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0 and does not need rich ground — in fact, it grows well in poor soil, and too much fertiliser makes leafy plants with few flowers. Space plants 6–12 inches apart so air can move between them; crowded plants stay damp and invite disease in Zone 10 humidity. Water needs are moderate: keep the soil evenly moist, especially while plants are young and in warm weather, and mulch to hold moisture and keep roots cool. A raised bed or a pot with drainage holes is often the easiest way to get the drainage right, so work out how much mix a bed or container needs before you buy.
Companion planting
Good companions for chamomile include tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, cabbage. Chamomile is a good companion for tomatoes, peppers and cabbage, and it is traditionally planted near fruit and vegetables, where its flowers attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects. It also makes a pretty edging plant along a sunny path. The October guide for Zone 10 in October shows what else is going in at the same time.
Our guide to when to plant lavender in Zone 10 shows how to time a second crop alongside it. For comparison with a cooler zone, see when to plant chamomile in Zone 9.
Pests and problems
The common pests to watch for with chamomile are aphids, slugs, thrips. Aphids may cluster on young growth — wash them off with water. Slugs can nibble seedlings in damp weather, and thrips may mark the flowers. Chamomile is generally trouble-free in Zone 10; heat and drought stress cause more losses than pests, so keep young plants watered and mulch lightly. Check the undersides of leaves weekly — most Zone 10 pest problems are small when caught early and much harder once they spread. Avoid spraying broad insecticides on herbs you plan to eat; a strong jet of water, hand-picking and encouraging ladybirds and other beneficial insects will deal with most outbreaks.
Harvest and storage
Start picking chamomile flowers once plants are in full bloom, about 60–90 days after sowing, and pick little and often — regular picking encourages more flowers. Pick in the morning, when the flowers are fully open and dry, snapping the heads off with your fingers. Dry the flowers in a single layer in a warm, airy spot out of direct sun until they are crisp, then store them in a sealed jar. Use a spoonful per cup for tea. Let a few flowers go to seed at the end of the season — chamomile self-sows readily and next autumn's plants will appear on their own.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant chamomile in Zone 10?
Sow from October through February. Seed germinates in 7–14 days and plants mature in 60–90 days, flowering through winter and spring.
Which chamomile is best for tea?
German chamomile — the annual type with the strongest flavour. Roman chamomile is a perennial ground cover with a milder flavour.
Why is my chamomile not flowering?
It may be too hot, too shaded, or overfed. Chamomile flowers best in full sun and lean soil during the cool months.
Will chamomile come back next year?
German chamomile self-sows readily. Let a few flowers set seed and seedlings will appear on their own next autumn.