Crown daisy [Glebionis coronaria var. discolor]

The biennial edible Crown daisy is an old farmer's variety, vegetable and medicinal plant, which is also often used as a cut flower. The taste is rather tart-bitter, with a spicy aroma and has fever and anti-inflammatory properties. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the buds, flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The edible Crown daisy is a biennial vegetable and medicinal plant that has unfortunately almost disappeared in cottage gardens today. The two-colored daisy is originally from China and has been widely known in East Asia as a vegetable and medicinal herb since 500 BC. It was not until the 18th century that chrysanthemums were planted in the eastern Mediterranean region, but they have not yet achieved great importance in western naturopathy. The medium-sized and fragrant perennial has medicinal properties that reduce fever, reduce inflammation and are anti-inflammatory. The leaves contain the important folic acid, and a tea can also be made, which can help with digestive and stomach problems. The taste is rather tart and bitter, with a spicy aroma. The young leaves and buds are used in the kitchen and go well with soups, stews or as an addition to Chinese chop suey or raw in salads. The flowers make an attractive edible decoration for salads and cold buffets. Crown daisies are ideal plants for cottage gardens, borders and for producing cut flowers.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 0°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 13-17 °C
Germination time: 10-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x35 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Crown daisy prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich sandy loam soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Crown daisy are susceptible to animal pests such as aphids, thrips, and fungal infections. We therefore recommend strengthening the plants by regularly watering them with nettle broth or tea. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, we recommend additionally incorporating biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds, root division or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Requires regular moisture. No maintenance necessary. Fertilization is recommended every 6 months.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Glebionis coronaria var. discolor, Chrysanthemum coronarium var. discolor
English names: Crown daisy, Chrysanthemum greens, Edible chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Chop suey greens, Garland Daisy
German names: Gurke, Gurkerl
Portuguese names: Malmequer 
Spanish names:
French names: 

 Origin 
Country: Germany