Chamomile
BASICS FOR YOUR HOME
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: Yes (though large amounts may be mildly irritating to some pets; keep out of reach as a precaution)
Indoors: Bright window; best grown outdoors or in a sunny patio container
Container Outdoors: Yes
In-Ground: Annual (German); Perennial (Roman)
Light: Full Sun
Temperature: Cool-season; tolerates light frost
Water: Low to Moderate
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
LIGHT: Chamomile prefers full sun — at least 6 hours daily. It tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers and a less concentrated fragrance.
WATER: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Chamomile is somewhat drought-tolerant and strongly dislikes overwatering. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
SOIL & POT: Light, well-draining soil is ideal. Chamomile thrives in average to lean conditions — rich, heavily fertilized soil promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
SEASONAL TIPS: German chamomile (the most common tea variety) is an annual that self-seeds prolifically. Let a few flowers go to seed and you’ll likely have chamomile returning next season without replanting.
HOW TO HARVEST
• Harvest flowers when the petals are fully open and beginning to reflex (bend back)
• Pinch individual flower heads at the stem
• Harvest in the morning after dew has dried
• Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce more blooms
• Dry promptly after harvesting to preserve fragrance
HOW TO USE
Chamomile has a gentle, apple-like floral flavor. It is most famous as a calming herbal tea and also lends itself beautifully to culinary and skincare uses.
Fresh
• Add fresh flowers to salads or float on lemonade and cocktails
• Muddle into drinks for a mild floral note
• Use as a delicate garnish for desserts
Dried (Primary Use)
• Spread flowers on a clean screen and dry in a warm, airy spot for 1–2 weeks
• Steep 1 tablespoon of dried flowers per cup of hot water for 5 minutes for classic chamomile tea
• Blend with lavender, lemon balm, or mint for custom tea blends
• Store dried flowers in an airtight jar away from light
Infused
• Steep in warm cream or milk for chamomile-flavored custards, cakes, or lattes
• Infuse into simple syrup for cocktails and baked goods
• Steep in oil for a soothing skin-care infusion
Tips
• Dry flowers thoroughly before storing — any moisture leads to mold.
• Chamomile pairs beautifully with honey, lemon, vanilla, and lavender.
• For the most potent tea, harvest flowers just as the petals begin to pull back.
HOW THIS PLANT GROWS German chamomile grows as a delicate, feathery annual reaching 18–24 inches tall, covered in small daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. It self-seeds generously and can naturalize in a garden bed.
GROW JOYFULLY Chamomile is a gift that multiplies. Harvest the flowers, enjoy the tea, and let a few go to seed — you’ll be rewarded with a new generation next season.