Chamomile Bodegold - Renee's Garden

ANNUAL

Spring/summer/fall harvest

Frost hardy

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds as thinly as possible in a well-drained, finely textured garden bed in full sun and cover lightly. Keep evenly moist while awaiting germination. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart before they become crowded.

TO START INDOORS

Sow seeds in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover seeds very lightly and keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Provide a good light source until seedlings are about 2 inches tall. Transplant 4 inches apart after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. Don’t let seedlings get too big or crowded before planting out.

GROWING NOTES

Start chamomile in early spring for sturdy growth before warm weather initiates flowering. Harvest every few days just as the petite daisylike flowers are fully open, but before the petals dry up. Air dry blossoms indoors in a single layer for several days, then store in a sealed container. Steep in boiling water for a lovely scented tea. Leave a few flowers in the garden to set seed, then shake spent plants and they will often self-sow to bloom next season. blossoms with their dainty white petals and gold centers and simply air dry for making fragrant pineapple-scented tea. Serve with a little honey to settle the stomach and soothe the nervous system before retiring.