How to Grow

From seed

Chamomile seed needs light to germinate, so simply scatter the seed and press firmly onto the soil, but do not cover the seed with soil.

Chamomile seeds can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.

When planting chamomile seeds indoors, fill a seed tray with well-draining potting mix, then simply scatter the seeds over the loose soil and lightly tamp it down or water it in with a light mist.

From seedling

Seedlings should be thinned to 2-4 inches (5-10 cm.) apart when they are about an inch (2.5 cm.) tall.

Plants do not like to be transplanted once their roots have established and they begin to produce blooms, so many gardeners prefer to sow the seeds directly in the garden.

Ready to harvest

Simply pick the flowers.

Blanch in water for chamomile tea.

Chamomile usually produces flowers that can be harvested for herbal use in just 6-8 weeks.

When harvesting chamomile flowers, most herb gardeners will leave some seed heads to naturally self-sow to produce a small colony of chamomile.

You can also set aside some of the harvested blooms to dry for seed to plant in other areas.

Collect seed

Select the flowers that are nearly open.

Pinch the stalk just below the flower head and pop off the bloom.

The flowers that are done blooming give you an opportunity to collect seeds or allow the plants to self-seed next year's patch.