Chamomile is the small, daisy-like herb for calming tea — a gentle, easy plant that self-seeds freely and fills a sunny corner with flowers all summer. In Zone 8 you can sow it in spring and again in autumn, and once it is established it often comes back on its own. This guide covers when to plant chamomile in Zone 8 and how to harvest the flowers for tea.
Zone 8 at a glance
Zone 8 covers parts of the southern United States, the Pacific Northwest coast and parts of California, where average winter lows run 10 to 20°F. The average last spring frost falls Mar 1–15 and the average first autumn frost Nov 15–Dec 1. Those are USDA zone averages drawn from NOAA frost records, not exact dates for any one garden — frost dates vary by microclimate, elevation and year, so always check your local extension service and the forecast before planting. Use the frost date calculator for your own averages, and browse the planting calendar hub for the full Zone 8 year.
When to plant chamomile in Zone 8
| Step | Timing in Zone 8 |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | February to March, 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting |
| Direct sow outdoors | March to April |
| Transplant outdoors | April, after hardening off |
| Autumn sowing | September, for autumn flowers |
| Harvest | June to September; 60–90 days to maturity |
Chamomile is hardy and can be sown in March to April, around the average last frost of Mar 1–15 — the Zone 8 March guide is the main window. A September sowing gives autumn flowers in Zone 8's mild climate, and plants left to self-seed will often reappear the following spring. Use the herb drying calculator to work out dates for your own garden.
How to start chamomile
Sow seed on the surface of the soil and barely cover it — chamomile seed needs light to germinate, and burying it is the commonest reason for failure. Germination takes 7–14 days. Sow direct where it is to grow, or start indoors in February to March in modules and transplant in April, handling the seedlings gently. Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. Choose German chamomile for tea; Roman chamomile is a low, creeping plant grown more as a ground cover.
Soil, spacing and sun
Chamomile wants full sun and light, well-drained soil — it tolerates poor soil and prefers a pH of 5.5–7.0. Fork in a little compost but do not over-feed it: rich soil gives leaves at the expense of flowers. Space plants 6–12 inches apart. It grows well in containers and at the edge of beds, where its small flowers can be reached easily for picking.
| Fact | Range |
|---|---|
| Sun | full sun |
| Days to germination | 7–14 |
| Days to maturity | 60–90 |
| Spacing | 6–12 in |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Sowing method | both |
| Cold tolerance | hardy |
All figures are broad published ranges from standard horticultural references, and they vary by variety, soil and weather. Check your local extension service for advice on your own garden.
Watering and feeding
Water needs are moderate: keep the seedbed moist until germination, then water in dry spells. Chamomile is fairly drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering gives more flowers. Water at the base and avoid soaking the foliage, which can encourage disease. Mulch lightly to hold moisture.
Companion planting
Tomatoes, peppers, marigolds and cabbage are listed companions, and chamomile is a valued companion plant: its flowers attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects, and it is traditionally planted near vegetables as a general helper. It fits well at the edge of the vegetable bed, where it will not compete with bigger crops. The companions listed for chamomile in standard references are tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, cabbage.
Pests and problems
Aphids, slugs and thrips are the listed pests, but chamomile is generally trouble-free. Wash aphids off with water, protect young plants from slugs, and keep the bed weed-free. The main risk is damping off in cold, wet soil — sow in warm, well-drained ground and do not overwater seedlings. The pests most often listed for chamomile are aphids, slugs, thrips. Inspect plants weekly, act early while numbers are small, and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies.
Harvest and storage
Start picking flowers 60–90 days after sowing, in June to September, when the white petals are open and the yellow centres are raised. Pick in the morning, after the dew has dried, pinching each flower head off with your fingers — regular picking encourages more flowers. Dry the heads in a single layer in a warm, airy place out of direct sun, then store in a jar. Leave a few flowers to set seed and the plant will self-sow for next year.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant chamomile in Zone 8?
Direct sow in March to April, or start indoors in February to March and transplant in April. It is hardy and can be sown around the average last frost of Mar 1–15. Sow again in September for autumn flowers.
Why did my chamomile seed not germinate?
Chamomile seed needs light to germinate — sow it on the surface and barely cover it. Seed buried deeply will not come up. Keep the seedbed moist for the 7–14 days it takes to germinate.
German or Roman chamomile?
German chamomile is the one grown for tea — a taller annual with plenty of flowers. Roman chamomile is a low perennial ground cover with fewer flowers. For tea, grow German chamomile.
How do I dry chamomile for tea?
Pick the open flowers in the morning, spread them in a single layer in a warm, airy place out of direct sun, and dry until crisp. Store in a sealed jar. Use about a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup.
For the full year, browse the planting calendar hub. Compare with Chamomile in Zone 7, and see also Lavender in Zone 8.