Norann Oleson, Editorial Director of Food Gardening Network

Norann Oleson, Editorial Director of Food Gardening Network

Welcome to the marvelous world of growing your own chamomile!

This little daisy of a flower packs a real punch—flavorful and full of compounds that can help you unwind for a good night’s sleep or sooth your skin.

Chamomile plants are almost set-it-and-forget-it. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand benign neglect. Harvesting the flowers is a breeze, and these plants will keep coming back for more, year after year.

In this collection’s Introduction, we’ll give you some history of chamomile that reaches back to ancient Egypt. Then we’ll give you botanical basics so you can see where chamomile fits in the edible flower universe. We’ll also tell you about some members of the daisy family that you’re better off avoiding. Then, in our Feature Articles, learn about the specifics of getting chamomile settled in your garden, your herb patch, or even your container garden. Get the details on growing chamomile from seed, preparing the soil, and keeping an eye out for pests and disease.

In Plant Profiles, you’ll find that there are really only two key species of chamomile that home gardeners grow—and one of them can do double duty as a filler between patio stones or even serve as a substitute for grass in low-traffic areas of your lawn.

There are some varieties of chamomile unique to certain parts of the United States, and even more in other parts of the world. If you’ve had experience growing any of those varieties, please let me know by commenting below.

After all, we’re here to learn, share, and grow as we plant, nurture, harvest, and savor the fruits (and herbs, and vegetables) of our labor!

One of the most enjoyable parts of the Food Gardening Network is the assortment and range of delicious Recipes for preparing our featured foods. Chamomile is more than just tea. You’ll probably want to try all these recipes.

From a delicious variation on a breakfast theme to a bedtime cuppa, these recipes will give your taste buds a treat and may inspire you to try something new.

Then get ready to get the skinny on the Nutrition Facts about Chamomile to see beyond the tea bag. Our Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Chamomile will give you some idea of the versatility of the little daisy-like flower. Learn about chamomile’s potential healing properties as a tea, an oil, a skin cream, and more.

We’ll give you a list of Resources to make growing, harvesting, and drying your chamomile as hassle-free as possible.

Finally, a Glossary at the end of this collection includes a list of terms and concepts, just in case you need a reminder.

Now, take a deep breath, and get ready to savor the flavor and fun of growing your own chamomile!