Matricaria recutita. This herb flavors sherry, is made into a popular hair rinse and induces relaxation. Chamomile is one hard-working plant! Bodegold is imported from Germany--this tall, delicately apple-scented variety is not the short Roman type. Diminutive daisies with prominent yellow centers are perky on stems growing to 2' tall. Grow a mini-field of this soothing herb if you can: history concedes that Chamomile benefits what grows nearby, including people. Dry flowers or use fresh in herbal tea, soothing to the stomach and the soul. Relax in a tub strewn with blossoms as a delightful skin-softening treat. Chamomile is rumored to benefit Cucumbers when grown nearby - perhaps because pollinating insects love the sweet, innocent blooms. Perennial.

HARVEST

When about two thirds of the little yellow tubular flowers at the centre of the flowerhead have blossomed, the chamomile flowers are ready to be harvested. From the time the entire flower bud starts to open, it takes three to five days to reach this stage of development. Simply harvest the flowers by cutting them off at the stem just below the flowerhead. Take care to hold the chamomile flowers as gently as possible – handle them as little as possible during harvesting and never wash them afterwards. Any unnecessary stress to the flowers will have a negative effect on the valuable ingredients that make chamomile so beneficial.

GROWING

Full Sun

Grows 24 inches tall.

Space 12 inches apart

NOTES

Edible!