German Chamomile - Matricaria recutita

German Chamomile is an annual ornamental, aromatic medicinal plant. A cup of chamomile tea in the evening is famous for easing digestion and inducing sleep. It is easy to grow in pots or outdoors in the garden. Sow in Spring for daisy-like flowers throughout Summer and Autumn.

German Chamomile, also known as Wild Chamomile or Mayweed, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It produces pretty, aromatic flowers with white petals and a yellow centre. Plants grow to about 50 cm in height. Its delicate, ferny light green leaves help differentiate it from Roman Chamomile, its perennial cousin often used as a ground cover.

Harvesting the flowers: pick the blossoms when they are in full bloom, preferably in the morning. The aromatic properties of chamomile are higher when the flowers are used fresh. To dry them for later use, spread the flowers on a rack or tray in a dry place, away from direct light. The flowers are well dried when they begin to darken.

For summer bouquets: in May/June, pick bunches of flowers whilst they are in full bloom (before the outer petals start to droop downwards)

Good to know: Like nasturtiums, chamomile attracts aphids. It can be a useful plant to have in the vegetable garden to steer aphids away from other plants.

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.