Wholesale Chamomile

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information about chamomile

description
Chamomile is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. It has a branched, erect and smooth stem, which grows to a height of 15–60 cm (6-24 inches). The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate.

The flowers are borne in paniculate flower heads (capitula). The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German chamomile from Corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to midsummer, and have a strong, aromatic smell.

common names & nomenclature
The word chamomile comes from the Greek chamaimēlon meaning "earth-apple", which is derived from chamai meaning "on the ground" and mēlon meaning "apple". It is so called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.

Also known as:
matricaria chamomilla, german chamomile, hungarian chamomile, pin heads, camomile, wild chamomile, scented mayweed, stinking mayweed, pineapple weed

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for chamomile

Chamomile can be found near populated areas all over Europe and temperate Asia, and it has been widely introduced in temperate North America and Australia.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting chamomile

climate
Chamomile often grows near roads, around landfills, and in cultivated fields as a weed in full sun or light shade.

soil
Chamomile will tolerate many soils, but prefers a sandy, well-drained soil.

growing
Start your chamomile seeds indoors for later transplant, about 6 weeks before you are expecting the last frost of the winter. Plant out in the garden spaced 12-18 inches apart after the last frost. You may also plant your chamomile seeds directly into the garden; you can either sow your seeds in the early spring or even put the seeds out in the fall to overwinter.

Though an annual that will only survive for one year, chamomile will readily seed itself. That means you can have an ongoing patch of chamomile if you let some of the blossoms go to seed rather than picking them all.

harvesting
Harvest chamomile flowers during the entire blooming season; pick only the blossoms not the stems. Spread them out somewhere warm and well-ventilated to thoroughly dry. Direct sunlight can harm the chamomile oils, so don’t just leave them out in the sun to dry. Indoors is usually best.

preserving
Once dry, you can store dried chamomile flowers, whole or ground, in a sealed container for a year. Store in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

chamomile history, folklore, literature & more

Chamomile is one of the most widely recognized and beloved herbs in the world, best known for its gentle flavor and long-standing role in herbal tea traditions. Dried chamomile flowers have been enjoyed for centuries across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, where they were commonly incorporated into daily rituals centered on rest, comfort, and relaxation.

Traditionally, chamomile has been used in a variety of preparations beyond tea. Infusions were often added to baths, compresses, or topical applications as part of customary self-care practices, valued for their mild aroma and soothing sensory qualities. Chamomile’s soft, floral scent has made it a frequent ingredient in personal care rituals, including skin toners, sachets, and aromatic rinses.

In folk traditions, cooled chamomile infusions were sometimes used as gentle compresses or washes, reflecting its historical role in external applications and household herbal practices. These uses were rooted in cultural experience and tradition rather than modern clinical guidance.

Today, chamomile remains a staple botanical for teas, bath blends, and cosmetic formulations, appreciated for its versatility and calming character. Its popularity endures as much for its pleasant taste and fragrance as for its deep roots in traditional herbalism.