German Chamomile, Ancient Heirloom, Organic Options Available

Chamomile has been a "must-have" in gardens for millennia, earning high honors in ancient cultures:

• The Sun Herb: The Ancient Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to the Sun, ranking it above all other herbs for its healing properties.
• The Nine Sacred Herbs: In the ancient Anglo-Saxon Lacnunga, Chamomile was listed as one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world to fight disease and "evil."
• The Plant's Physician: Folklore suggests that Chamomile is a beneficial companion for almost any plant. It was believed that if you planted Chamomile next to a drooping or "sickly" plant, the Chamomile would help it recover and thrive.

• Prolific Bloomer: This variety is a heavy producer, sending up hundreds of tiny white flowers with bright yellow centers throughout the summer.
• Easy Self-Seeder: While it is an annual, German Chamomile is a "reliable returner." It drops its seeds readily, meaning you’ll likely see a fresh crop of "volunteers" every spring.
• Fragrant Foliage: Even when it isn't blooming, the feathery, fern-like foliage releases a sweet, apple-like aroma when crushed.
• Beneficial to Pollinators: Its open-faced flowers are an easy nectar source for tiny beneficial wasps, hoverflies, and honeybees.

Chamomile is the ultimate "comfort herb," prized for its gentle effectiveness and sweet, floral flavor.

Beyond the tea cup, Chamomile adds a touch of whimsy to the home:

1. The Perfect Bedtime Tea: Steep 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for a natural, caffeine-free sedative that helps children and adults drift off to sleep.
2. Gourmet Garnish: Sprinkle the fresh, edible flower heads over salads, cakes, or fruit platters for a "cottage garden" aesthetic.
3. Chamomile Honey: Infuse dried flowers into raw honey for a floral sweetener that is incredible on biscuits or in tea.
4. Soothing Bath: Place a handful of dried flowers in a muslin bag and drop it into a warm bath to soothe sensitive skin or sunburns.

• Type: Annual (Self-seeding).
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade.
• Height: 12–24 inches.
• Sowing Tip: Chamomile seeds are tiny! They require light to germinate, so do not bury them. Simply press them gently into the surface of the soil.
• Harvesting: Pick the flower heads just as the white petals begin to droop backward for the highest concentration of essential oils.