How to Dry Chamomile Flowers (3 Easy Methods)

If you grow chamomile in your garden, learning how to dry the flowers is an easy way to preserve your harvest.

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Dried chamomile flowers can be used for homemade herbal tea, potpourri, sachets, and other simple projects around the home.

Chamomile is one of my favorite herbs to preserve because the flowers are so delicate and cheerful.

You don’t need any special equipment to dry them, either. You can air-dry chamomile, use a food dehydrator, or dry the flowers in the oven on a very low setting.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to harvest chamomile flowers, three ways to dry them, and how to store your dried chamomile so it stays in good condition.

When to Harvest Chamomile Flowers

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The best time to harvest chamomile is when the flowers are fully open and looking fresh. The white petals should be spread out around the bright yellow center.

For the best results, harvest chamomile on a dry day after the morning dew has evaporated. Wet flowers take longer to dry and are more likely to develop mold during storage if moisture remains.

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Here are a few tips for harvesting chamomile:

Choose healthy, fully opened flowers.
Avoid flowers that are brown, damaged, or beginning to deteriorate.
Pick the flowers on a dry day.
Use clean hands or scissors to remove the flower heads.
Place the flowers in a clean basket or shallow container.

German chamomile is commonly grown for harvesting flowers to dry for tea. Make sure you have correctly identified your plant before using it for food or tea.

If you’re just getting started with this herb, you might also enjoy my guide to how to grow chamomile in pots.

How to Prepare Chamomile Flowers for Drying

Chamomile flowers are small and delicate, so handle them gently when preparing them for drying.

If your flowers are clean and free of dirt or insects, you may not need to wash them. If they need cleaning, gently rinse them with cool water and carefully remove as much moisture as possible before drying.

Spread the flowers on a clean towel and allow the surface moisture to evaporate. You can also gently blot them with a paper towel.

Remove any damaged flowers, leaves, or other debris before beginning the drying process.

The goal is to start with clean flowers that are as dry as possible on the outside.

Method 1: How to Air-Dry Chamomile Flowers

Air-drying is one of the easiest ways to preserve chamomile. You don’t need any special equipment, and the gentle process works well for delicate flowers.

What You’ll Need

Fresh chamomile flower heads
A clean drying screen, mesh tray, or baking rack
A warm, dry room with good air circulation

Instructions

Harvest healthy chamomile flowers on a dry day.
Remove any damaged flowers or debris.
Spread the flower heads in a single layer on a clean screen or drying tray.
Place the tray in a warm, dry area with good airflow, away from direct sunlight.
Turn or gently move the flowers occasionally to encourage even drying.
Check the flowers regularly until they are completely dry.

Depending on the humidity in your home and the airflow around the flowers, air-drying may take several days or longer.

Avoid piling the flowers on top of each other. Good airflow helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the flower heads.

How do you know when chamomile is dry?

The flower heads should feel dry and crisp rather than soft or damp. Allow the flowers to dry completely before storing them.

Method 2: How to Dry Chamomile in a Dehydrator

A food dehydrator is a convenient option if you regularly preserve herbs from your garden.

Instructions

Harvest and prepare the chamomile flowers.
Arrange the flower heads in a single layer on your dehydrator trays.
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature suitable for delicate herbs, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Around 95–105°F is a reasonable starting range if your machine supports it.
Check the flowers periodically as they dry.
Remove the flowers when they are completely dry and crisp.
Allow them to cool before transferring them to a storage container.

Drying time will depend on the dehydrator, the moisture in the flowers, and the humidity in your home.

Avoid using excessive heat. Chamomile flowers are delicate, and gentle drying helps preserve their appearance and aroma.

Method 3: How to Dry Chamomile in the Oven

You can also dry chamomile flowers in the oven if you don’t have a dehydrator. This method requires a little more attention because some ovens cannot maintain a sufficiently low temperature.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to its lowest available temperature.
Spread the clean chamomile flowers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place the baking sheet in the oven.
Check the flowers frequently and gently move them if necessary.
Remove the flowers as soon as they are completely dry and crisp.
Let them cool before storing.

If your oven runs hot or cannot maintain a low temperature, use the air-drying method instead. Avoid leaving chamomile flowers unattended in the oven, as they can become overheated or scorched.

How to Store Dried Chamomile Flowers

Proper storage is important because any remaining moisture can cause dried flowers to spoil.

Once the chamomile flowers are completely dry and cool, place them in a clean, dry, airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works well.

Store the container in a cool, dark cupboard away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.

For the best quality:

Make sure the flowers are completely dry before storing.
Use a clean, dry container.
Label the container with the herb name and drying date.
Keep the jar away from steam and moisture in the kitchen.
Check the flowers occasionally for signs of moisture or mold.

If you notice condensation, mold, or an unusual smell, discard the flowers.

For the best aroma and flavor, try to use dried chamomile within about six to twelve months. Store it properly and remember that the quality of dried herbs gradually declines over time.

How to Use Dried Chamomile Flowers

Once your chamomile is dry, there are several ways you can use your harvest around the home.

Make Homemade Chamomile Tea

Dried chamomile flowers are commonly used to prepare herbal tea. Place a small amount of dried flowers in a tea infuser or teapot, add hot water, and steep to your preferred strength. Strain before drinking.

Use correctly identified, food-safe flowers that have been dried and stored properly. Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family.

If you’re pregnant, take medication, or have a medical condition, check with a qualified healthcare professional before using chamomile medicinally.

Make Potpourri

Dried chamomile flowers can be added to homemade potpourri with other dried flowers, petals, and fragrant herbs.

Fill Sachets

Use dried flowers in small fabric sachets as a decorative addition to drawers or closets.

Use Them in Crafts

Chamomile flowers can be incorporated into botanical crafts, dried-flower arrangements, and homemade decorations.

Other Herbs You Can Dry at Home

If you’re preserving your garden harvest, you can dry many other herbs using similar methods.

Here are more herb-drying guides:

Preserve Your Chamomile Harvest

Drying chamomile flowers is a simple way to make the most of your herb garden. Whether you choose to air-dry the flowers, use a dehydrator, or carefully dry them in the oven, the most important thing is to make sure they are completely dry before storing them.

Keep your dried chamomile in an airtight container away from heat and moisture, and you’ll have a supply ready for tea, crafts, and other projects.

If you haven’t planted chamomile yet, start with my guide to growing chamomile in pots and enjoy harvesting your own flowers at home.

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