Companion Plants for Chamomile: A Guide to Growing Your Garden

Are you looking to grow chamomile in your garden? If so, you might want to consider planting some companion plants alongside it. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to benefit each other in some way. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for chamomile and the benefits they offer.

The Benefits of Companion Planting:

Before we dive into specific companion plants, let's take a moment to discuss why companion planting is beneficial. Here are some of the main advantages:

Improved Soil Quality:

Certain plants can help improve soil quality by adding nutrients or breaking up hard soil. For example, legumes like peas and beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, while plants like radishes can break up compacted soil.

Pest Control:

Some plants have natural pest-repellent properties that can help protect nearby plants from insect damage. For example, marigolds are often planted with tomatoes to repel nematodes.

Attracting Beneficial Insects:

Not all insects are pests - some are actually beneficial to your garden. Companion planting can help attract these helpful insects, such as bees and ladybugs, which can help pollinate your plants and control pest populations.

Better Use of Space:

Companion planting can also help you make the most of your garden space by planting complementary plants that can share resources and reduce competition.

Companion Plants for Chamomile:

Now that we've covered the benefits of companion planting, let's take a look at some of the best plants to grow alongside chamomile.

Lavender:

Lavender is a great companion plant for chamomile because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It also has a similar growth habit to chamomile, so they can be planted together without competing for resources. Plus, the two plants complement each other nicely - chamomile has a sweet, apple-like scent, while lavender has a more pungent, floral aroma.

Mint:

Mint is another good choice for companion planting with chamomile. Like lavender, it attracts beneficial insects and has a similar growth habit. Additionally, mint contains natural oils that can help repel pests like aphids and ants. Just be sure to plant mint in a separate container or location from your chamomile - it can be quite invasive and may take over if left unchecked.

Nasturtiums:

Nasturtiums are beautiful, edible flowers that make a great addition to any garden. They're also an ideal companion plant for chamomile, as they attract aphids away from the chamomile and provide a lovely splash of color. Nasturtiums grow quickly and can fill in any gaps in your garden, creating a lush, vibrant space.

Calendula:

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a bright, cheerful flower that's often used in herbal remedies. It's also a great companion plant for chamomile - the two plants have similar growing conditions and complement each other visually. Calendula attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, and its bright yellow petals can help deter pests like whiteflies and spider mites.

Chives:

Chives are a tasty herb that make a great companion plant for chamomile. They have a natural pest-repellent property that can help protect your chamomile from aphids and other pests. Additionally, chives attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and bees, which can help pollinate your chamomile plants.


Companion planting is a simple and effective way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By planting chamomile alongside some of these companion plants, you can create a lush, vibrant space that's both beautiful and functional. So why not give it a try?

FAQs:

1. Can I plant chamomile with other herbs?

Yes, chamomile can be planted alongside other herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. These herbs have similar growing conditions and can complement each other nicely in the garden.

2. How much space should I leave between chamomile and its companion plants?

It's generally recommended to leave at least 12 inches of space between each plant. This will allow them to grow without competing for resources.

3. Can I plant chamomile in containers?

Yes, chamomile can be grown in containers as long as they're large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. Be sure to choose a pot with good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.

4. Are there any plants that shouldn't be planted near chamomile?

Chamomile doesn't do well with plants that require heavy watering, as it prefers drier soil conditions. Avoid planting chamomile near plants like lettuce, celery, or parsley, which have high water needs.

5. Can companion planting help reduce the need for pesticides?

Yes, companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides by attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests naturally. However, it's important to monitor your garden regularly and take action if you notice any pest problems.