How to Harvest Chamomile and Make Chamomile Tea (Complete Guide)

[@Cordelia0704p]

I walked out to my garden after the snow had melted this year and was shocked to find chamomile growing. I didn't realize it would come back. I've got 3 quarts of dried flowers so far and I can't count the number of fresh cups I've had. My absolute favorite.

[@sharonjennings1282]

Would this be good freeze dried or dehydrated is best?

[@mudcult]

Man's voice is like listening to an angel's lullaby

[@scondcoin]

He voice is very similar to Rick Bayless...

[@Mac-nx5xf]

Just had my first chamomile and mint tea from the garden. Can’t beat that!

[@heatherlinton5057]

Camamile tea is absolutely wonderful for stomach pains caused by stomach ulcers, of which I suffered with dreadfully. A hot cup of tea using the dried flowers with a spoon or two of raw honey soothes those painful pains swiftly......my mum in law used to send me bunches of the dried camamile from Madeira. It's a wonderful herb to have 🙏👍🇿🇦

[@ElizabethHaynesTX]

Thank you for this information! I can’t wait to try it for my stomach issues. :)

[@BobbyParker784]

Thank you Gardner Scott I enjoyed those cups of chamomile tea almost as much as you did! You have a nice soothing relaxing voice and demeanor ! It is just as relaxing listening to you as it is drinking chamomile tea! Bless you and have a great life! As you already seem to be having !

[@YamiKisara]

I've just been harvesting wild chamomile today, haha. It's best to harvest chamomile around 11AM not only because the dew has dried by then, but also because the healthy elements are most concentrated and active at that time. Never go over 40°C (roughly 100°F according to google) on herbs, you can also dry them in your oven if it goes low enough - you can jam a wooden spoon in the door to prevent it from closing completely, so that the moisture can escape, speeding up the process. If you're air drying, make sure you do so in the shade - this goes for all herbs, aside from one or two kinds (like mullein). The dried tea should steep for 10-15 minutes, 5 is far too short to get the flavour out properly, in my opinion. I'm honestly surprised to see a video like this outside of Europe though, so good job!

[@Poopmacheyne]

I really love the complete guide formats that you use. As a newbie gardener, it's helpful to see the entire process, the same goes for videos that show any given plant's life cycle from seed to harvest. I've never considered growing chamomile, but you've changed my mind - thanks Gardener Scott!!

[@PacMan257]

You made me dig out my Chamomile seeds Gardner Scott. 2 of my raised beds have cinder block around them and now I know what I'm going to put in some of them to add to my tea garden. A few years back my wife and I went to an herb fair and she brought home some lavender, lemon grass, mint, lemon balm and catnip. Each on there own makes a nice tea but I like to mix and match for a more complex flavor. The Chamomile will make a nice addition.

[@EnergyFlux2012]

Thanks for this guide. I love chamomile.

[@Yankeesista203]

Hi Gardener Scott!, l have German Cammomiel started from seed. I'm growing for tea. The plants have not matured yet. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for the video!🤗

[@kentscoffey]

I can picture exactly where I was the first time I encountered the wonderful aroma of chamomile. Nothing else compares.

[@juliepizzolato1911]

We have chamomile here on our property in mass quantity and I've never done anything with them other than enjoy their heavenly apple aroma when I crush them walking about...now I must try some of this delicious looking tea. Loving all you share from North Idaho zone 6a 💚🌻🌿

[@irenesilva744]

What a wonderfully relaxing video. 😊

[@jennifervondeylen7362]

Just found this video. Wonderfully done & you are so peaceful!!

[@hafeezihs549]

Chamomile - A Herbal Gem.

[@tamarabonet9438]

Now I need to get some chamomile seeds! Thank you for sharing how to make this wonderful tea. :)

[@adaranikkanen7246]

Thank you so much for such a detailed video! Love your energy.

[@IndigoCobalt]

I’ve started my own camomile flowers from seed! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@PStew262]

I grew chamomile this year for the first time. I have lots of flowers and I didn’t know what to do with them. Now I’m going to go make tea. Thanks again Gardener Scott. You make life better for a gardeners. ☀️ 🌱 🌹

[@hugelpook]

Another thorough and user-friendly presentation.

[@IreneN-l4f]

Very informative video and you are a good teacher.

[@smuschlitz]

I've raised a couple plants this year, and they're flowering beautifully, but after a closer look they are covered in what in the south are called "wheat" bugs. They're tiny, yellowish, and actually bite. The first round I harvested I left outside on a paper plate, shook them around occasionally, and was able to eventually get them off. If anybody has a better idea it'd be much appreciated! Lol, just can't bring myself to make chamomile/wheat bug tea.

[@richardrevett8242]

Thank you Scott for a lovely relaxing video and so informative too I've been drinking camomile tea for about 3 years but for shop bought tea bags but I'm really interested in growing my own and your video has encouraged me to do just that, It's winter at the moment here in the UK but as soon as it warms up I will be growing my own plants. Thank you again Kind regards Richard

[@DanaN43]

Perfect timing, chamomile I planted this year just started blooming

[@ambernelson1990]

Gardener Scott, you are my favorite! I love your videos. They have taught me so much! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@GardenJensJourney]

I grow chamomile every year. Love the ease of using it. Harvesting can be tedious, but it's worth it. I have nearly 2 - two quart jars full of chamomile from the last 2 years.

[@marytyra1030]

I had harvested my chamomile too late and was like hmmm....this seems wrong. Thanks for the video, I know now that I have to be quick to harvest ! I'll be looking for a video on oils now....hope you've made one!

[@GardenerScott]

I don't have oil videos yet, but hope to in the future.

[@woofwoof-w4g]

I used to be a Coloradoan, now I'm in CA--which gets pretty hot so I'm hoping the German Chamomile can handle it. What's funny is I bought my seeds online and they came from Colorado, making me homesick. Love this video which answered all my questions, thank you Gardener Scott!

[@nancylombera978]

Wow! I really enjoyed your video! I just grew a chamomile flower plant from a baby organic plant I bought from my local Lowe’s! I’ve been watering it almost daily💦 and it’s been blooming🌼 so beautifully🥰! I’m going to be harvesting soon! I can’t wait! PS. I have some seeds too but I just been putting it off! This video was exactly what I needed to inspire me to start growing my own chamomile from seed! Thank you gardener Scott!😊👩‍🌾🪴🧑‍🌾. Kind regards, Nancy

[@carladelagnomes]

It was so nice watching you sitting out in the garden sipping tea. Reminded me why I spend so much effort on my yard. I think I shall have to go out and sit in my garden chair. Thanks again for a wonderful vid!

[@henryrogers1824]

i remember when i used to pick these with my grandmother in her backyard now i just oreder them from serenity herbal

[@Rlinn78]

I’ve been waiting for this video. Been trying to sprout camomile seeds this spring a few times. I get them to germinate but eventually lose them for whatever reason. Don’t want to give up so I’ll keep pressing on. Thank you

[@nancylombera978]

That’s the right attitude! What I learned from a master gardener is that gardening is #1 trial and error and #2 in order for seeds to sprout they need moisture and warmth. Also peat moss is idea soil for most seeds to germinate! Best of luck!🌱

[@deathatsix]

I like adding to green tea and mixing different herbs. I've done the same with yarrow. My chamomile is still too young yet but the wild yarrow is ready to start picking. Keep up the great work. And as always thanks for sharing all this wonderful info.

[@Nexzy_]

Thank you so much for the guidelines

[@redinthethevalley]

Thank you Scott! I was pleased to find the same camomile growing wild on my property a few years ago and ever since I’ve been harvesting with great success. I use a foldable wooden laundry thingy😆 and use the kids from the large totes I cannot fit a lid onto, I then place parchment paper taped down and spread the flowers on it to dry... once dried nicely, I store it in reused glass jars from coffee/pickles/ and the like.. one less item in the landfill too😉 I hope to see more videos of herbs as it’s a great aspect of gardening worthy of more information!

[@redinthethevalley]

Oops I just read my comment (should have before I hit send... I meant to say the “LIDS from the totes” not the kids😂😂

[@raysmaster]

Thank you for this video.Definitely will try the fresh or dried Chamomile tea.

[@brooklinkayce7828]

I like to slightly blend them in a little water to create more surface area before adding the hot water (or cool to steep overnight). Thx 4 sharing! I have some I was wondering when I should harvest.

[@lynnchantler96]

Delightful video, Gardener Scott, and timely, as I have just harvested my first batch of chamomile flowers. It will be rewarding to make a cuppa with them while I listen to the GS Livestream! Cheers!

[@tirusew]

I have my first flowers, it was inspired by your video

[@gnweaver7]

Thank you for this information. I just planted some, but thought I would be harvesting this season. Plus, I put it in a med. container. I may need to move it.

[@nessamarie003.]

Going to buy a chamomile plant now 😬 🌿

[@nocahelena7138]

Thank you Mr. Scott!

[@jacquiesuper2200]

Yummie. Just made some with dried flowers. Adding a little honey makes it delicious

[@nataly3492]

Great video!!! Thank you so much for sharing. Can’t wait to grow my Chamomile patch. 🙂

[@SusanaGonzalez-wh3mw]

Muy Bien explicado Scott... gracias.. saludos desde El Salvador ♥️

[@tomahawktassels]

This was so emotionally relaxing, almost like ASMR.

[@CP-tm7be]

I've found that two things help with the flavor: bruising the fresh flowers (squishing them in your hands or pressing them while on a surface) before they go into the French press, as well as adding the sieve part right away (but not pressing down all the way) and then swirling it around to make a whirlpool. Nice video!

[@maureenodonnell9600]

Hello Gardener Scott, it is mid December and I am so enjoying watching your video on camomile flowers. I didn’t know that they are somewhat drought tolerant, so they will be a great addition to my Bayfield, Co. , zone 5b garden. As I am now making my seed list for next years growing season, I will be sure to order camomile seeds. Thanks so much!

[@ElizabethHaynesTX]

Thank you for such a wonderful video on how to harvest and use chamomile. I’ve been considering growing it, but didn’t know how to use it to make tea. :)

[@renestewart604]

Thank you. I can smell and taste your tea.

[@elchefreedom5063]

Awesome, ty GScott!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Thanks for the info! I just planted it for the first time this year. Beautiful plants. Wanted to try it for the good bugs.

[@heidiclark6612]

Great information! Thank You!

[@bonniea.haritonma8395]

Thank you!

[@kmiller6002]

I love chamomile tea, I even drink it as an iced tea. Thank You for sharing Gardener Scott. I hope you have a Happy 4th once again THANK YOU for your service to our country 💯. GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲.

[@tasaneesomintr871]

Thank you so much

[@reneenylen6412]

Great video 😉🌼

[@choungchiv2441]

I wonder if it's a good idea to dry them for a couple hours first in the sun before taking them inside the house to finish the drying to help speed up the drying process.

[@DebRoo11]

It's actually best if you dry them in the shade not the Sun

[@joyhamilton4248]

I grew up on Chamomile tea!! My Mom used to pick it as a child on the hillsides in Greece. I would love to plant some but I don’t know if it’s deer resistant while it’s in bloom?!?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, chamomile is deer resistant. Many fragrant plants are. While deer will eat anything when hungry, the deer in my past ate many other plants but the chamomile was left alone.

[@sariahmoffett4359]

Thank you for your presentation. Can I use the tea ball method for the fresh picked chamomile?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, you can. It works well.

[@talapeanutbutter4250]

I’m just starting out gardening. Is it fairly easy to get it to grow from seed? It’s May in the panhandle of Florida. Should I start outside w/seeds? Thank you!

[@GardenerScott]

I find it easy to grow from seed. It is certainly warm enough for you to start. Consider starting some indoors in pots so you can see the difference.

[@lovealwaysjasmine]

Thanks for sharing Gardener Scott! Do you ever find bugs in the fresh flower brewed tea vs the dried flower?

[@GardenerScott]

I occasionally find a bug or two but they're easy to see and pull out.

[@suemerritt1679]

I managed to get 4 plants up from seed this year. I heard that when you get first flowers, you should trim to get a bushier plant? What do you think? Thanks for another great video.💖

[@GardenerScott]

When you trim the first flowers it can promote the plant to grow more flowers.

[@brendanmcdermott9469]

Nice video, what temperature water do you use to steep the chamomile, and do you use a different temp for fresh vs dried?

[@GardenerScott]

I boil water, let it cool a bit, and use it very warm. With dried flowers I use boiled water.

[@talapeanutbutter4250]

Do you eat the flowers after steeping it?

[@GardenerScott]

You can, but I add them to my compost pile because they are a little bitter.

[@bckjhenaidah]

May I have some seeds for cultivation in our country? If I got it will be wonderful for us. Please let me know. Thank you sir.

[@shelbystanley8372]

Do you have any tips for aphids and other bugs?

[@GardenerScott]

Here's one of my videos that shows some of what I do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5mxdIWcgbx1mbM

[@REDonFIRE]

Are these able to be transplanted in late Fall or will it die if I try to move plants with me when I move.

[@GardenerScott]

They have a short life and probably won't transplant well, but they grow from seed easily. Try saving some of the seeds after flowering.

[@essentialcomforts2166]

how do you get the tiny thin tan caterpillars out? doesnt seem appetizing to leave them in for tea. I noticed them after picking and letting them sit a while.

[@GardenerScott]

You can soak the flowers, pour off the caterpillars, and rinse again.

[@nocahelena7138]

When do you suggest that chamomile can be planted? Thank you

[@GardenerScott]

Starting in spring or early summer is a good time.

[@mir22v]

I tried this today, just like you did, with fresh German Chamomile flowers. It didn't have much flavor so I let it steep for a few hours - it did not taste good at all. Steeped too long or why did it not taste good?

[@GardenerScott]

It only needs to steep for about five minutes. A few minutes of steeping will bring out the flavor of the flowers but steeping for a few hours will bring out the flavor of the sepal and stem. You may need more flowers per cup of water to get more flavor.

[@mir22v]

@@GardenerScott got it, thanks!

[@maryannfoster4734]

What about freezing fresh? Good?

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, you can do that. The flavor can actually be better for tea when using frozen rather than dried flowers.

[@jacquelinemwaniki6465]

I planted chamomile from seed. It has been a week, sadly no germination 😢

[@Newportbanking]

I have some taking a big portion of my garden. Could you please help me with how to remove it?

[@GardenerScott]

Pull or cut it as soon as you see the seedlings. Be sure to remove any flowers before they seed.

[@Newportbanking]

@@GardenerScott thank you very much

[@casaytompkin2550]

Can you put the dried flowers in a tea bag. I bought some empty tea bags to fill online

[@GardenerScott]

Absolutely. That's an easy way to make tea.

[@petiteavenue7394]

@@GardenerScott thank you.. love your videos wish you had one like this for every flower you can make into tea lol. So what's the reason we don't crush the died flower like they do at tea factories..surely it all goes in the teabag still? Just curious to know :)

[@GardenerScott]

@@petiteavenue7394 Thanks. I am planning new tea videos. Crushing the flowers releases many of the volatile oils into the air to evaporate. There's a lot of flavor that's lost.

[@vj563]

Gardener Scott, what variety are you growing?

[@GardenerScott]

It's German Chamomile.

[@vj563]

@@GardenerScott Thank you! :)

[@judibaine7876]

Where do you put the flowers when you are drying them?

[@GardenerScott]

I usually use a hanger in an empty closet or spread on newspaper in the dining room.

[@judibaine7876]

@@GardenerScott Thank you for your prompt response!!. To be clear it does not have to be in a dark place like a closet. I have it in a kitchen cupboard right now sitting on a paper towel in a dish.

[@GardenerScott]

It doesn't need to be dark, but should be out of direct sunlight.

[@kentmummau5455]

Does it taste good chilled?

[@GardenerScott]

I like the fresh tea chilled. I think the dried tea tastes better with sweetener when chilled.

[@kentmummau5455]

@@GardenerScott thanks, I found a bunch of wild chamomile on my hill this morning. Getting ready to pick a bunch. Thanks for the tip and the reasons G.S.

[@1adamgarcia2003]

Misleading. I wanted to see how you put the flower or seeds to grow new plants.

[@GardenerScott]

The title is clearly about harvesting and not about sowing seeds.

[@kentmummau5455]

I thought I had chamomile.... turns out it was Philadelphia Fleabane

[@MomIrregardless]

i really dont care for the flavor of commercial chamomile tea. does growing/making your own have a better flavor??? 'sweet, apple, flavor'?? really?

[@GardenerScott]

I think the flavor is noticeably better. Store tea is bland with much less flavor.