How to Harvest Chamomile for the Best Teas, Oils, and More

Chamomile tea can help even the most restless of sleepers get a good snooze. It's a calming brew that's simple to make at home, and it tastes even more satisfying when infused with chamomile from your own garden. This delicate white flower is easy to grow, too, so long as you have full sun and well-draining soil—and nothing tastes better than a freshly brewed pot of homegrown tea.

However, the most critical part of growing chamomile is knowing when to harvest it. Doing so at the right time can enhance the efficacy of your tea and make the entire process feel more rewarding. Here's how the experts do it.

When to Harvest

Chamomile will take approximately eight to 10 weeks to bloom when grown from seed. There are, however, some signs to look out for, so you'll know exactly when they're ready.

"Harvest flowers shortly after they have fully opened, but before the central disc enlarges and the petals begin to bend backward," says Hannah Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited. "Flowers collected at this stage contain the highest levels of essential oils and provide superior flavor."

She recommends harvesting in the morning, if you can, as the cooler temperatures will "help preserve volatile oils that diminish later in the day."

How to Harvest

Once you've got the timing just right, harvesting chamomile is fairly simple. You'll just need to remove the head of the flower from the stem.

"Pinch the blossoms between [your] fingers so that they snap off cleanly," says Howland. "For larger plantings, a chamomile harvesting rake may be used to increase efficiency."

Easy enough, but what's essential is staying consistent. Harvesting frequently will keep the plant's energy from being diverted toward seed production. "Given optimum growing conditions, [it] can be harvested two to three times during its growing cycle," says Susan Betz, master gardener and the author of Herbal Houseplants.

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How to Store

Once you've harvested your flower heads, you'll want to air dry them for the best result. Betz recommends arranging them in a single layer away from direct sunlight. Make sure the area is dry and has low humidity, as moisture can introduce mold.

Howland recommends using a food dehydrator as another option, especially if you plan on storing the chamomile for a longer period of time. "Set [it] to the lowest temperature, ideally 110 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and dry the flowers for at least 24 hours," she says.

After, make sure to store them so they retain their flavor, aroma, and beneficial qualities. Howland recommends an airtight container, like a sealed glass jar. Make sure to place it in a cool, dry, and dark location.