Ancient authorities such as Hippocrates and Galen wrote of the medical benefits of chamomile, and it remains a popular and effective herbal remedy in modern times. As a tea or infusion, chamomile gives a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness, making it an excellent treatment for insomnia or anxiety. The dried flowers and leaves also make a sweet scented addition to sachets or potpourri.
Harvesting: Harvest chamomile as needed as soon as it reaches a desirable size. For the best flavored tea, harvest the chamomile flower heads in the morning as soon as they open. Spread them out to dry for about 2 weeks in a very dry, warm place out of direct sunlight. Store the flower heads in an airtight container. The more you harvest flowers the more the plant will produce. Cut down to the next node on the stem to encourage growth. Seed Saving: Chamomile easily reseeds itself, but the seed can easily be collected. Remove the flower heads when they dry up on the stem; spread them out to finish drying in a protected location out of direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the chamomile seeds, and store it in a cool dry place for 3-4 years. Notes:
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CategoriesFDL Seed Library
The FDL Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow to plant and grow at home. By saving seeds as a community we help create local seed stocks that are better acclimated to our climate and which support an abundant and genetically diverse landscape.
We ask that seeds are “returned” by harvesting seeds from a plant or two that you grow. Donated seeds will help to add diversity to our collection. Archives
March 2022
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