Growing Chamomile in Zone 11A

Chamomile is a gentle herb famous for calming tea. German chamomile is annual; Roman is perennial.

Zone 11A has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

Top Growing Tips

• German chamomile (annual) is easier to grow than Roman (perennial)
• Direct sow on soil surface — seeds need light to germinate
• Self-seeds readily and will come back year after year
• Harvest flowers when petals reflex (fold back) from center
• Dry flowers at low heat or in a dehydrator for tea

Companion Planting

Good companions: brassicas, onions, cucumbers — called ‘plant doctor’ for helping sick plants

Avoid planting near: none in particular

Harvest Timeline

Harvest flowers individually or cut whole stems when most blooms are open

About Zone 11A

USDA Hardiness Zone 11A has an average last spring frost around Jan 1 and first fall frost around Dec 31. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.