Creating a chamomile lawn
Thorough weed removal before planting a chamomile lawn helps prevent the feature becoming a weedy mess. Two or three spray applications of weedkiller before planting may be necessary to eradicate persistant weeds such as nettles, docks, brambles and thistles. Annual weeds can be removed by hoeing and light digging or cultivation.
Waiting a couple of weeks after each application of weedkiller makes it apparent where further spraying is needed, and allows dormant weed seeds brought to the surface by cultivation to germinate and be eradicated by subsequent spraying or removal.
Plants are supplied as small rooted runners or substantial pot plants which can be divided further (see our page on dividing perennials for further advice on this) and grown on in pots before planting out in the lawn area.
When planting out a chamomile lawn with purchased plants, space them 10-20cm (4-8in) apart, depending on their size. This equates to 83-100 plants per square metre. Closer spacing gives more rapid cover, but raises project costs.
Species chamomile (not named cultivars) can also be sown from seed and grown on in pots into plants large enough to plant out in the lawn area. See below for advice on doing this.
New chamomile lawns should not be walked on for at least 12 weeks, and traffic should be kept to an absolute minimum for the first year.