The well-known medicinal herb chamomile can easily be grown in your own garden or collected in the wild. However, the quality of the chamomile flowers depends on both the right time of harvest and the type of drying.
When is chamomile blooming?
The flowering period of chamomile extends from May to September. Ideally, the plant should be harvested three to five days after the flowers have fully opened to obtain the highest levels of essential oils. Traditionally the harvest takes place around St. John's Day, the 24th. June.
Don’t harvest chamomile too late
The real chamomile has a comparatively long flowering period and its bright, yellow flower heads with the characteristic white lingual leaves can be seen between May and September. the older the flowers get, the more the tongues lean towards the ground. The flower contains the highest proportion of medicinally important essential oils when it is harvested approximately three to five days after it has fully opened. However, it is difficult to find the perfect time, especially when harvested from the wild, which is why you can use the following rule of thumb: If around two thirds of a chamomile hedge are fully bloomed and some are still closed, you can harvest. Traditionally, chamomile is harvested around June 24th, St. John's Day.
Dry chamomile properly
Essential oils are very volatile, which is why you should process the freshly harvested flower heads immediately and dry them professionally. Above all, it is important that the flowers are not exposed to sunlight during the drying process. Furthermore, the place you choose should not be too warm and airy. Temperatures between around 20 and a maximum of 30 °C are optimal. Gentle drying in the oven is also possible, provided it is carried out at a low temperature.
Tips & Tricks
You can also collect ripe (i.e. flower heads with fruit heads) chamomile flowers and plant them in your garden between the beginning of August and mid-September - this way you can sow the medicinal plant naturally. Please note that chamomile is a light germinator and its seeds should therefore not be covered with soil.