In 2017, I had planted German chamomile seeds, with zero results. Nothing sprouted at all. Then, early in spring 2018 I noticed some sprouts near where I had placed the label for chamomile and much to my surprise, after a full year, we had our very first chamomile plant. It flowered early in May, one of our first blooms in the garden.

Since chamomile is such an early bloomer and the only thing blooming in the garden, it was hard to decide to harvest. But, now that it’s chilly outside, I’m glad we did harvest it, ‘cos there’s nothing better than a warm cup of chamomile tea (with a spot of honey).

Harvesting Chamomile

Simply place the bud between your index and middle fingers and pop off the flower. To dry, place on a paper towel in a single layer then set aside in a dark place. I put mine in the upper corner cabinet in my kitchen. After about a week, I flipped the buds and then waited another week. 

Enjoy!