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First harvest for Chamomile

rocky'smom

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•CHAMOMILE-- One of nature's safest and mildest sedatives useful to calm birds in stressful situations. Studies show that this herb also kills the yeast fungi Candida albicans as well as certain staph bacteria.
-from Winged wisdom Pet Bird E magazine-


I am growing Chamomile on my deck this year. after doing a little research, it's time to start harvesting the blossoms. if you decide to grow this calming herb, you harvest just the blossoms as the little white petals droop. you can harvest them a little earlier or later. cut the blossoms as close to flowers as possible. trim any stems short. you will need a large plate, a couple sheets of paper towels, and warm dry dark place to set the plate; a upper cupboard works great, 2 weeks.
IMG_0002.JPG

I will show what happens after the 2 weeks in later post.
 

Tiel Feathers

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Very nice!! I'll be looking forward to hearing how they turn out. Where they part of your outdoor garden this year, or did you grow them inside?
 

rocky'smom

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out on my deck, they are in larger pot.
 

SandraK

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Chamomile is also good in tea form for humans for upset stomachs or stomach aches and helps one sleep too.
 

CeciliaZ

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I have chamomile growing also...safe for them to eat the whole flower?

How do you make the tea?
 

SandraK

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I have chamomile growing also...safe for them to eat the whole flower?

How do you make the tea?
I've always bought the commercially made chamomile tea in supermarkets. It's pretty basic and makes a clear, light green tea.
 

CeciliaZ

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I have also purchased the ready made - tea bags - Can you use a tea infuser for the flowers?
 

rocky'smom

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yup I'll grab a picture later.
 

BirdGuy21

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I was thinking of trying to grow some bird safe flowers and herbs indoors. Did you use a special soil or seed to start?
 

rocky'smom

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I got organic soil mix from the garden store and also from my uncle's farm (certified organic farm). I use seeds from Burpee (organic). I make my own compost in ice cream buckets. and Burpee fertilizer (organic) from the garden store also. the biggest expense was the soil & seeds. the only problem that I have had was too much rain this year.
 

BirdGuy21

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I know the feeling with the rain, I feel like it has rained 95% of the summer so far. I would try to grow inside due to being close to neighbors and the potential for pesticides. Not sure if they would get enough sun inside or not. I will check out the store for organic soil and seeds on my next trip.
 

SandraK

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If you're looking at growing anything hydroponically (in water), please let me know. We gave our younger son a hydroponic kit a couple of years ago for Xmas, he used it once, abandoned it at our house and his new wife doesn't seem to want it. I'll be happy to ship it to you to free up the closet space. Comes with a special plant growing light and works. I'll look up the model for you if you are interested - just PM me.
 

BirdGuy21

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Looks good! My flock loves chamomile so they will be jealous.
 

alshgs

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I've been wanting to grow herbs and stuff for awhile now, just haven't had the chance to do it. Thats awesome!
 

rocky'smom

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@CeciliaZ
Tea Strainers
IMG_0001.JPG
the one in the back holds about 1 tsp
the ball holds about 1 tbsp
the white one holds about 2 tsp
IMG_0002.JPG
 

ConureTiel

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I have a thriving chamomile plant in one of my Aerogarden hydroponic growers, but I wasn't sure how to harvest the blossoms. So, just when the petals first start to droop, then? Do you worry if petals fall off?

I will be trying to dry in a dehydrator -- should work, right?

Thanks!
 

rocky'smom

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the blossoms should cut two to three after first opening they should have nice bright yellow center that if you touch it you should have some yellow pollen on your fingertip. I cut them long with piece of the stem, I cut the blossoms off and dry on paper towels in upper warm, dry, dark cupboard. I have never had good luck drying in dehydrator ever. I finally got rid of mine becuz of constant mold problem with every thing dried in it. if I am drying herbs (other them chamomile) I do it in the microwave.
 
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