Best storage conditions

Store thoroughly dried flowers in a cool, dark, dry spot, ideally between 50 and 70 degrees F with low humidity. Fresh-picked flowers, if you must hold them briefly, can go in the refrigerator around 35 to 40 degrees F for a day or two. Keep dried flowers away from heat, light, and moisture, which fade color and dull the scent.

How long it keeps

Well-dried chamomile flowers stored in an airtight jar keep their flavor for about 6 to 12 months. Fresh flowers last only a day or two before wilting. Frozen flowers hold well for several months.

Storage methods

Air-drying is the classic method: spread flower heads in a single layer on a screen or tray in a warm, airy, shaded spot, or use a dehydrator set on low. The flowers are ready when they feel crisp and crumble easily. Store the dried heads whole in tightly sealed glass jars or tins, and crush them only when you are ready to use them.

Freezing & preserving

Drying is by far the best way to preserve chamomile. You can also freeze fresh flowers in ice cube trays topped with water for a quick way to hold small batches. Chamomile is not a candidate for water-bath canning on its own, and any canned recipe that includes it should follow tested USDA or National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidance; because herb-and-water mixtures are low-acid, they would require pressure canning under a tested recipe rather than being canned casually.

Tips

Make sure flowers are bone dry before jarring them, since any trapped moisture invites mold. Label jars with the harvest date and store them out of direct light. Keeping the flowers whole until use helps them hold their aroma longer.

General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.