How to Grow a Chamomile Lawn Successfully

Growing a chamomile lawn is easier than you might think. So let’s get started with the basics and tackle the how-tos along the way.

What are the benefits of a chamomile lawn?

First of all, chamomile lawns are very eco-friendly. They support pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity. Additionally, they are suitable for difficult areas, since chamomile can grow in poor soil conditions and partial shade. Even in places where grass struggles to grow, chamomile can thrive. You also have to mow and water them less frequently than regular lawns. That does not only save you a lot of time, it’s also cheaper in the long run. Keep this in mind when buying chamomile plants for your lawn, since they are pricier than grass seeds.

Another positive note – the strong scent of chamomile can help repel certain pests, potentially reducing the need for pesticides.

Choosing the right chamomile variety

The chamomile genus contains about 25 species. Not all of them are well suited to become a lawn, so let’s focus on the varieties that are fitting for our purpose. Generally, you can choose between flowering and non-flowering options.

Preparing the ground for your chamomile lawn

Is something already growing on your soil? Then the odds are, that chamomile can grow there too. Chamomile thrives given a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. It might not look like it at first, but this is a pretty big range concerning soil properties. Mixed soils, that provide a fair number of nutrients and drain well, are ideal. The drainage is important, since heavy clay soils may become waterlogged in winter and too dry in summer.

If the intended area for your chamomile lawn is waterlogged often, best incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil structure. If you want to plant chamomile in raised beds or containers, use a light potting mix for better drainage.

Before you get started with the sowing or planting, clear the area of grass, weeds, and debris. If removing an existing lawn, use a spade to lift the top 2 inches of turf. Thoroughly weed the ground, as chamomile doesn’t compete well with weeds. Wait up to two weeks for any dormant weed seeds to germinate, then hoe them. For perennial weeds, take extra time to eradicate them completely. Once cleared, rake the area level.

Planting your chamomile Lawn

The best time to plant your chamomile lawn is in late spring when the plants are growing rapidly. This fast, prostrate growth helps suppress weed seedlings, giving your chamomile a head start.

To plant your chamomile lawn:

1. Dig planting holes slightly larger than the root ball, spacing them 4–8 inches apart. The right distance depends on the size. Smaller pug plants should be planted closer together.
2. Place each plant in a hole, ensuring it’s at the same level as it was in the nursery container.
3. Backfill with soil, gently firming around the roots.
4. Water the area and make sure the plants get enough water while settling in.

Sowing your chamomile lawn

Planting is not the only way to get a chamomile lawn. Sowing chamomile seeds is fairly easy and cheaper. However, the chances are that weeds might infiltrate the garden. You can sow chamomile seeds in spring after the last frost, or in early fall.

To sow your chamomile lawn:

1. Mix the tiny chamomile seeds with fine sand to help distribute them evenly.
2. Scatter the seed mixture thinly and evenly over the prepared soil.
3. Lightly rake the area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 1/4 inch deep).
4. Water the area gently using a fine mist spray to avoid displacing the seeds.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
6. Chamomile seeds typically germinate in 7–14 days. Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to about 4–6 inches apart to allow proper growth.

Watering and initial care

After planting, water the chamomile plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Continue watering every few days until the plants are established. Once established, you’ll only need to water during prolonged dry spells. Remember, a new chamomile lawn shouldn’t be walked on for at least 12 weeks. After this period, minimise foot traffic to allow it to establish fully. As the lawn spreads, it will send out fresh runners. If you notice the centre of original plants dying off, remove the affected area, add some garden compost, and replant with a fresh, rooted runner from a thick part of the lawn.

Maintaining your chamomile lawn

One of the main advantages of a chamomile lawn is its low-maintenance nature. Unlike traditional grass turf, it doesn’t require regular mowing, fertilising, or edging. However, to keep your chamomile lawn healthy and thriving, you’ll need to follow a few simple maintenance steps.

Mowing and trimming

If you’ve chosen the non-flowering ‘Treneague’ cultivar, you won’t need to mow your lawn at all. However, you might want to trim it lightly with shears in late summer if it looks a bit straggly. For flowering varieties, you’ll need to trim off the flowers regularly to prevent dead patches from appearing. Use a mower or shears to remove dead flower heads and maintain a pleasing shape in late summer. Aim for a cutting height of about 2–3 inches.

Dealing with weeds and pests

Weeds can be a challenge on chamomile lawns. You can’t use selective lawn weedkillers as they’ll harm the chamomile too. Instead, dig out weeds swiftly and replant the area with fresh chamomile plants. Keep an eye out for bare patches, which can develop as plants age or after harsh winters. Have young plants ready to fill these gaps to maintain a dense, weed-resistant lawn.

Aphids can be a problem, especially on tender new growth. Large infestations can weaken the plants, but it’s best to let nature take its course, as natural predators like ladybirds and hoverflies rely on aphids. As luck will have it, hoverflies like to visit chamomile plants.

Chamomile lawn FAQ

Ready to get started?

A chamomile lawn has many benefits and is perfectly easy to maintain. So, no need for second guesses, if you want one – go for it. In case you are looking for more tips on eco-friendly gardening, you might want to learn how to encourage bees in your garden, how to care for lavender or how to grow foxglove plants. Any more questions? Leave a comment and we will get back to you. You are also more than welcome to write a tip for us and your fellow garden enthusiasts.

Happy gardening!

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!