Hungarian/German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
This cottage garden standard is a lively plant in the summer garden and the dried blooms make a soothing tea. Chamomile attracts beneficial insects to the garden and the flowers are great in teas, arrangements and dried for crafts. Plants generally grow to 24" tall.
Origin: The parent seed of our chamomile came from a village near the town of Keszthely on the shore of Lake Balaton in Hungary. We were walking home from a day of swimming and spotted a beautiful patch of chamomile. Fortunately some of the flowers had gone to seed so we saved some and brought it back to our garden.
(Approximately 100 seeds per packet)
Germination rate: 80% - tested 8/30/24
Planting Instructions: Press a pinch of seeds into the soil every 8" a few weeks before last frost in spring. Germinates best with light. Thin to 1 plant every 8". Water lightly immediately after planting as the moisture will help prevent the tiny seeds from blowing away on the wind. Seeds can be started indoors to 6 weeks before your last frost and transplanted outdoors after your last frost. Full Sun.
Recipe Ideas:
Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to relax and soothe. Simply pick flowers and dry them in a cool, well-ventilated spot for about 3-6 days. Then store them in a clean jar and add the dried flowers to hot water to make a nice cuppa.
We like to make a tea mix of chamomile and tulsi (Holy Basil) and the combination of flavors is very soothing.
