Costmary - Balsam herb [Tanacetum balsamita]

The perennial balsam herb is a hardy and edible wild spice, tea, aromatic and medicinal plant with a strong lemony-minty aroma. Its effects on fever, liver weakness and menstrual problems have been well known since ancient times. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves and flowers.

 Description 
Balsam herb is an ancient, perennial, edible wild spice, tea, aromatic and medicinal plant from the temperate latitudes of Asia and North America. The plant, also known as St. Mary's herb, has been cultivated in the southern regions of Europe since ancient times. In the early Middle Ages, the medicinal plant was used as a helpful remedy for fever, liver weakness and menstrual problems. In the 8th century, Charlemagne issued a law that required the cultivation of balsam herb in monastery gardens. The leaves have a pleasant, strong lemony-minty aroma and retain this scent even when dried. Excellent for flavoring teas, for scented bowls and scented sachets, and as a spice.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 70 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -23°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 10-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 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 February to May is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March 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. Pre-cultivation is also advisable. Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich, humus-rich loamy soils. It also thrives in sandy or clay soils.
Balsam herb does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The plants die above ground in winter and sprout again in spring. If the location has optimal conditions, the plant is relatively easy to care for and spreads easily. It thrives even in hot summers, as long as the soil is fresh and not too dry. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to additionally incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Avoid drying out. Fertilizing is only recommended once in spring when growing in containers.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Tanacetum balsamita
English names: Costmary, Balsam herb, Ladymint
German names: Marienkraut, Balsamkraut, Frauenminze, Marienblatt
Portuguese names: Balsamita
Spanish names: Hierba bálsamo
French names: Herbe baumière

 Origin 
Country: Portugal