Guest post by Katrina & Clayton

Chamomile (often spelled camomile in the UK) has been valued for centuries as both a medicinal herb and a culinary flower. Known for its calming properties, fragrant bloom and addition in the kitchen. For Scottish growers, chamomile is particularly appealing because it thrives in cool climates, tolerates damp weather and requires relatively little care once established.

The most commonly used edible part of chamomile is its flower heads. Harvested when fully open, blooms can be used fresh or dried. They are most famous for chamomile tea, a soothing infusion with calming and digestive benefits. Dried flowers can also be added to cakes, syrups and jams. Fresh petals make attractive garnishes for salads, desserts or drinks.

Chamomile leaves are also edible, though their flavour is stronger and more bitter than the flowers. They can be used sparingly in salads, soups or herbal blends. Leaves are often valued more for medicinal preparations than culinary uses.Both German and Roman chamomile flowers are edible, though German chamomile is preferred for teas due to its milder taste. Flowers should be harvested on dry days, ideally in the morning after dew has evaporated and either used immediately or dried in a well ventilated, shaded space for later use.

Growing Conditions and Soil

Chamomile is remarkably adaptable, but success depends on providing the right balance of light, moisture, and soil. Scotland’s cool Summers and frequent rainfall actually suit chamomile well, although overly wet or waterlogged soil can cause problems. Chamomile prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade, especially in areas where the Summers are cooler or where sunlight hours are shorter. The flowers are at their most prolific in sunny, open spaces, where they produce the essential oils responsible for their fragrance and flavour.

In terms of soil, chamomile thrives in light, well drained ground with moderate fertility. Overly rich soil can encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers, while compacted or waterlogged ground can damage roots. A loamy soil with good drainage is ideal, though chamomile also performs well in sandy soils, provided they are not too dry. The plant is tolerant of slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. In Scotland, where clay soils are common, improving drainage by incorporating grit or organic matter is beneficial. Mixing in some Caledonian Green Goodness will help with soil texture and moisture retention.

Planting Times

Chamomile can be grown from seed, plugs, or divisions. In Scotland, sowing seeds indoors in early Spring (March to April) gives plants a head start before transplanting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed in late May or early June. Seeds require light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of compost and pressed gently in rather than covered. They usually germinate within one to two weeks if kept warm and moist. 

For outdoor sowings, wait until late Spring or early Summer when soil temperatures are reliably mild. Direct sowing works well in prepared seedbeds with fine, weed free soil. Thin seedlings to around 20–30 cm apart to allow adequate airflow and space for flower production. Established chamomile plants can also be divided in Spring or Autumn and replanted immediately.

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the most common variety grown for tea and culinary use and is typically grown as an annual. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), by contrast, is a hardy perennial and can be grown as a longer term ground cover or lawn substitute in Scotland.

Caring for Chamomile

Once flowers begin to fade, deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming season. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production and instead directs it back into producing more flowers.

For perennial Roman chamomile, trimming back sprawling stems in late Summer or early Autumn keeps the plant compact and prevents it from becoming too woody. In Spring, cutting back dead or damaged foliage encourages new growth. Chamomile is generally low maintenance, but these small efforts will extended harvest of fresh, fragrant blooms.

Dividing

Dividing chamomile is particularly useful for perennial Roman chamomile, which spreads via creeping roots. Every two to three years, clumps can be lifted in Spring or early Autumn and separated into smaller sections, each with healthy roots attached. These can be replanted directly into prepared beds or pots.

Division rejuvenates older plants, preventing overcrowding and ensuring vigorous flower production. It also provides an opportunity to propagate new plants to expand your chamomile patch or share with other gardeners. Division is less relevant for annual German chamomile, which completes its life cycle in one season and is better renewed each year from seed.

Weed competition can be a challenge for young chamomile seedlings, as they are delicate and easily outcompeted. Regular weeding until plants establish themselves is essential. Once mature, chamomile forms dense foliage that naturally suppresses weeds.

Chamomile is rarely troubled by pests, though aphids may occasionally cluster on young stems or flowers. These can be managed naturally by encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybirds. Powdery mildew may appear in particularly humid Summers, but this is usually not severe. Cutting back affected growth improves airflow and reduces the spread.

Companion Planting

Chamomile is renowned as a beneficial companion plant in gardens. Its strong fragrance repels pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage moths, making it an excellent ally for many vegetables. It is especially beneficial when planted near brassicas (such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli), onions, and beans.

Chamomile also improves the flavour and health of neighbouring plants. Many gardeners swear by its ability to enhance the essential oil production of herbs such as basil, mint and rosemary when grown nearby. It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects like hoverflies, bees and parasitic wasps, further supporting garden biodiversity.

Avoid planting chamomile in overly shaded or damp areas, where its benefits may be reduced. In well placed companion beds, however, chamomile’s ecological value is outstanding, making it a cornerstone of organic and permaculture systems.

Chamomile is a wonderful edible flower for Scottish gardens, combining ornamental beauty, ecological benefits and practical culinary uses. Thriving in Scotland’s cool, damp climate, it is relatively easy to grow provided it is planted in well drained soil and given sufficient light. Both annual German chamomile and perennial Roman chamomile are suitable for different edible purposes. 

Katrina & Clayton

Katrina & Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire in Scotland and share their daily life in the garden on instagram @buildingfoodforest_scotland. They practice permaculture principles, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.

Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2022. This year he will be completing Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton is 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs. Both Katrina and husband Peter have studied the Permaculture Design Course PDC and PDC Pro over the last 5yrs, developing their garden from grass to an ongoing food forest.

They have featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens, Gardeners World Magazine and write for Scotland Grows Magazine.  Katrina has a series of children’s story books out following the life of Clayton in the garden. Available at Amazon.

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