Everyone knows chamomile, so many people confuse other flowers with it. The characteristic shape of the petals, the elongated stem give similarities to various plants. In addition, chamomile itself has many varieties. To understand and find out interesting information about such similar colors and a small educational program will help.
Daisies and most plants similar to them belong to the Asteraceae family. Its representatives are easily identified by:
- herbaceous stalk;
- elongated petals;
- a basket framed with petals;
- weak aroma.
Sunflower, thistle and dandelion are considered relatives of chamomile. They also belong to the Aster family and have similar features.
The most common - pharmacy. In the flower beds most often found large or decorative. Asters, some varieties of chrysanthemums and gazanias also have large inflorescences.
colorful daisies
The first sign by which they can be distinguished is the color of the petals. In pharmaceutical or decorative chamomile, they are white. There are similar flowers with different shades of petals..
Blue
Blue color indicates that they have grown or. The last petals are sometimes painted half white, which creates a pleasant decorative effect.
colored
Colored daisies, which have petals in different colors and shades, called Anemone Blenda or Anemone Crown. Similar colors are also found in Echinacea varieties.
yellow
Doronicum (goat) is most often confused with yellow. You can also find Feverfew with lemon-colored petals, this variety is very similar to Chrysanthemum because of the double petals and the shape of a small shrub.
Purple and lilac
, Osteospermum with purple petals looks very nice in borders and bouquets. This also includes lilac daisies, the brightness and type of shades varies depending on the variety of a particular type of plant.
Despite the similarity, each flower is unique. They differ not only in appearance, but also in life expectancy., susceptibility to disease, unique healing or simply beneficial properties. What are these flowers called and what do they look like?
Anacyclus
Anacyclus or Anacilus is a perennial plant with creeping stems and large flowers. It is used to decorate alpine slides, as it is low (up to 5 cm). The buds are dark pink, but the petals are white inside.
perennial plant in the form of a low (up to 10 cm) and a wide bush (up to 50 cm). The leaves and stems are gray in color, the petals are tightly stacked together, white.
Perennial plant with bright yellow petals and heartwood, grows from 0.3 to 1 m in height. The leaves are triangular and deep green.
Flowers of all varieties of doronicum do not lose their appearance for a very long time after cutting. Over time, they dry out and remain just as beautiful.
- perennial plant, forms a bush 0.3-0.8 m high. The flowers are large, with dense oblong white petals, the core is bright yellow. There is only one corolla on one stem, unlike chamomile.
Calendula or marigold - an annual herbaceous plant 0.5-0.6 m high. petals are orange or deep yellow. The leaves are green in the form of an elongated oval.
Most often in ornamental cultures there is a perennial plant. The flowers are stuffed, the petals are painted in pink, white, lilac colors, the core is pale yellow. Neat bush grows up to 20 cm tall. The leaves are oblong, located at the base of the stem.
or Dolmatian, Persian chamomile - a perennial herbaceous plant 0.4-0.6 m high. The flowers are large, but there are varieties with small and stuffed corollas. The color of the petals varies from white to burgundy.
Feverfew flowers repel ixodid ticks.
Arctotis
An annual or perennial plant 0.20-0.3 m high. On a bare stem, inflorescences with a diameter of 5-10 cm, depending on the variety. The color of the petals is white or pale yellow. On dark green leaves, a light silvery coating.
or gazania (African chamomile) Grows up to 30 cm in height, inflorescence 5-9 cm in diameter. The color of the petals varies, but red and pink varieties are popular. The leaves are dark green, curly.
Perennial. Bare stems 0.4-0.6 cm high, hard. Rosette with long petals (up to 0.35 m) and dense, with a diameter of 0.05-0.15 m. Gerberas come in any color, with the exception of blue.
Venidium
Venidium grows up to 0.8 m. The petals are elongated with pointed ends, the rosette is not stuffed. Venidium comes in pink, white, orange and yellow.. The core is brown or burgundy.
Kosmeya is an annual or perennial plant 50-150 cm high. The stems are tender, the leaves are thin, reminiscent of the shape of an apothecary chamomile or dill. The petals are long, one or two colors (border effect), white, red, pink or purple. Inflorescence up to 12 cm in diameter.
Perennial or annual plant. Bush height 0.5-0.9 m, thin leaves. Flowers in rich shades of yellow, there are specimens with a burgundy base of the petals.
Osteospermum is a perennial, but cultivars are grown as annuals. It grows in the form of a bush 0.25-1 m high, inflorescence diameter 4-10 cm. The color of the petals is white, various shades of red, purple.
Sunflower
Decorative sunflowers are significantly different from their counterparts. Depending on the variety, they are:
- Miniature.
- With double and dense blooms.
- Multicolored.
Some of them, especially the tuberous sunflower, look like a giant yellow daisy. Such plants grow up to 3 m in height., and inflorescences - 3-5 cm in diameter.
Jerusalem artichoke or earthen pear is a perennial plant with stems 0.50-4.0 m high. Flowers are yellow, their diameter is up to 10 cm.
Ursinia is an annual or perennial herb 30-60 cm high. The flowers are bright yellow, white or purple, glossy, up to 5-6 cm in diameter.. Ursinia leaves are dark green.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum - perennial with a large number of flowers. Most often found with thin stiff stems, openwork light green leaves and flowers 2-5 cm in diameter. Chrysanthemum petals can be of the most varied shade and range: from white to purple.
Echinacea - a perennial with medicinal properties. On stems with leaves, one flowering with a protruding core. Petals are pink or purple, oblong with pointed ends.
Erigeron - perennial, grows up to 40 cm in height. The petals are elongated, rounded, color: white, pink, yellow, purple, purple. Inflorescence 2-5 cm in diameter.
Among the variety listed, every lover of daisies will find a suitable option. The choice depends on the properties of the varieties, preferences in colors and plant size. Chamomile-like flowers come in different colors, heights and even types (grass, shrubs). They are selected for any ensemble in a flower bed and they will last for more than one year, delighting with bright colors and long flowering.
Garden perennial daisies are used for decorative purposes to decorate the garden and home gardens, as they are considered the most beautiful and romantic flowers. The plant is unpretentious, but with irregular care it can die. In order for the plant to please with its attractive appearance for many years, it is necessary to follow all the requirements for planting and caring for the crop.
Garden chamomile is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Astrov family. The stem, on which alternately two-pinnate leaves are located, can reach a maximum height of 60 cm. The top of the plant is decorated with a large inflorescence collected from many reed and non-reed flowers of white and yellow hue. The plant is characterized by active growth and early flowering.
Difference from real
Chamomile is considered a Russian folk flower, but this species can be found on many continents in a cultivated form. In the wild, chamomile grows in meadows and fields, which is actively used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
According to biologists, garden chamomile has nothing to do with a wild plant. Since this is a leucanthemum, which differs from it in that it has less pronounced white petals, a thinner, dissected leaf plate and a rich aroma.
Peculiarities
Garden chamomile is distinguished by a strong and resilient stem and a dense bright bud with snow-white petals and a yellow center. The plant is able to bloom for a long time, and sometimes throughout the summer. It looks great in the cut and for a long period is able to maintain its original appearance.
Varieties
The most popular types of garden chamomile, which are preferred by most gardeners.
Lugovaya
The plant forms a bush endowed with straight numerous stems reaching 90 cm in height. On each branch there is a bud, which is a yellow basket with reed flowers of a white hue.
Kuril
Refers to late-flowering garden daisies that grow no more than 20 cm. The root system is dense and strong. The maximum diameter of the inflorescence is 8 cm.
Bolotnaya
A rather low view, reaching a height of 25 cm. Able to form a lush bush. The leaves have a bright green color, and the side flowers in the inflorescence are snow-white. The flower is characterized by an interesting shape, because of which the plant is often called a chrysanthemum.
largest
The plant reaches 1 m in height. The rhizome is localized on the surface. A large bud up to 10 cm in diameter has white petals arranged in several rows and a yellow center.
Large
Bush garden chamomile is large and is considered one of the largest species. In height, the stem grows up to 90 cm, the bud itself in diameter is more than 15 cm.
Terry
The decorative perennial has white impressive flowers, the stem, the length of which varies from 50 to 100 cm. The inflorescence has a diameter of 10 to 12 cm. It begins to bloom from early June to late August.
Popular varieties
Culture boasts of such varieties.
Grandiflora Alaska
The inflorescence has snow-white petals and a dark yellow core. A bud in diameter can reach 10 cm, and the bush itself is 80 cm in height.
Crazy Daisy
The herbaceous plant has a straight stem up to 1 m high, on which are oblong pinnately dissected leaves with a serrated edge. Buds in diameter reach 12 cm, can be simple and terry.
May queen
A bush up to 90 cm high is distinguished by double or semi-double inflorescences. It has a white shade of reed flowers along the edges. Pleases with long flowering.
Princess
A small plant that grows no more than 30 cm in height. The diameter of the inflorescence is 8 cm. The plant blooms for no more than a month, but if you cut off the old bud, then there is a possibility of extending the growing season.
It differs from other varieties in the presence of thin pointed petals collected in baskets. The width of the bud is 16 cm. The branched stem can grow up to 45 cm in length.
garden princess
A branched compact plant no more than 35 cm in height, has a large number of inflorescences more than 10 cm in diameter. The stems are characterized by density and elasticity.
Silver princess
A small plant up to 30 cm long, which during the growth period forms new stems, due to which it blooms throughout the growing season. It has large inflorescences with long white petaled flowers.
Winner
The variety is able to reach more than 90 cm in height. It became popular due to the large number of buds of impressive size with snow-white petals. Blooms from June to August for several years without a transplant.
Landing
You can plant garden chamomile in several ways, namely by seedling method, sowing in open ground. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
With the help of seeds
Seeds can be sown directly into the ground. This method is fast, does not require significant expenditure of time and energy.
Timing
Chamomile seeds have increased resistance to frost, so they are sown in spring and autumn. Sowing before winter can not only ensure the guaranteed germination of strong plants, but also significantly save time in the spring. When planting in the spring, make sure that the air temperature is 16 degrees.
Landing pattern
When planting garden chamomile seeds in open ground, carefully study the planting algorithm:
- Thoroughly loosen the soil saturated with mineral fertilizers.
- Scatter the seeds generously over it.
- Sprinkle a little soil over the seeds.
The plant does not respond well to wetlands, so care should be taken in advance to have a neutral area for planting.
Agrofibre
For quick and guaranteed seed germination, it is recommended to use a covering material. It is best to sow garden chamomile seeds under agrofiber.
thinning
After the germinated plants have 3 pairs of true leaves, it is recommended to pinch off the extra stems in order to accelerate the growth of the main branches and improve their quality. The plant categorically does not tolerate thickening, therefore, it needs timely thinning.
Watering
Water with extreme caution, since plants that have not yet grown strong can suffer under the influence of sharp streams of water.
Features of the seedling method
The method is considered the most successful. Seeds are pre-selected in a flower garden or purchased in March. They can be planted within a month after the first shoots, depending on the temperature regime and weather conditions.
disembarkation
No more than three seeds should be planted in a tray with cells, and then covered with soil from peat and sand. Tighten the top with a special film and leave it near the window so that a minimum of the sun's rays fall on it. Watering should be carried out using a spray bottle so as not to harm the root system.
thinning
Sprouts will begin to thin out within 2 weeks after planting. Then you can get rid of the film and place the trays on the windowsill closer to sunlight. Also, an open window can adversely affect the development of seedlings, so drafts should be avoided.
Topping
After the seedlings reach 5 cm, it is necessary to carefully pinch off the weakest specimens, leaving one bore in the cell. Do not pull them out, as there is a chance of harming more developed sprouts.
How to plant in open ground
When the sprout is fully formed and ready for transplanting, it must be moved to open ground. This is a rather painstaking process, which has its own nuances, which should be carefully read.
Timing
Planting seedlings should be done at the time when the threat of frost has passed. The best time for this is the end of May, when the nights are warmer.
Location selection
Chamomile takes root well on neutral soils, increased or decreased acidity can adversely affect the growth and development of the plant. Wetlands are the main enemy of chamomile.
Soil preparation
For the full development of garden chamomile, enrich the soil before planting by applying mineral fertilizers.
Landing pattern
Planting seedlings in open ground has its own characteristics, on which the stability of the plant as a whole depends, as well as the number and quality of buds in the future:
- Loosen the soil a little.
- Prepare small holes, calculating the size for the root system of seedlings, at a distance of 35 cm.
- Place 2-3 bushes in each hole.
- Fill the root system with a soil substrate, strengthen it in the ground.
When transplanting, special attention should be paid to the root system, since it is thin, delicate at this moment and can be easily damaged.
Watering and loosening
Watering and loosening should be performed immediately after planting and repeat the procedure as necessary during the period of growth and development of chamomile.
Care
In order for the plant to grow normally and attract attention with its bright and healthy appearance, a number of care measures must be taken.
Weeding
Abundant weeds can adversely affect the growth and development of garden chamomile, so weed and loosen regularly. The root system needs not only fertile soil, but also getting the root system enough air.
Watering
It is important for the crop to receive the required amount of water daily, so the ground is regularly checked for moisture. Watering should be carried out in a timely manner, using a large volume of water.
loosening
Immediately after each watering, the soil should be loosened so that the water does not stagnate on the surface, but penetrates deep into and is absorbed by the lower tier of the root system. This process will help not only accelerate the growth of garden chamomile, but also help it avoid a number of diseases associated with excess moisture.
top dressing
Mature plants need fertile soil no less than growing ones. For top dressing, urea should be used in the proportion of 20 g of the substance per 1 square meter. Water generously after fertilizing. If the leaf plate begins to turn pale and dry out, it is worth carrying out additional feeding.
Alternate minerals with litter to eliminate the possibility of soil acidification, which negatively affects the development of the plant.
After flowering
As the chamomile fades, fertilize the exhausted soil with the help of mineral complexes, organics and begin to prepare the bushes for winter.
Preparing for winter
Garden chamomile does not tolerate low temperatures, so it should be carefully prepared for the cold. To do this, cut off all ground stems and cover the plant. Use sawdust, dry leaves or non-woven material as a coating.
reproduction
The plant propagates by dividing the bush or collecting seeds.
Collection and storage of seeds
When the flower on the stem dries out, seeds are formed in the core. They fall out when pressed and have a brown tint. They must be removed from those inflorescences that, against the background of the rest, seemed stronger and healthier. Then spread on a napkin and let dry a little. Then put them in a bag and send them to storage in a place where it is dark and dry.
It is important to collect and properly dry the seeds in time in order to achieve high germination.
The division of the bush
Garden chamomile also reproduces by dividing the bush. 2-3 years after planting, the bush grows, and a void forms in the middle, as the central trunk dies off. In the spring, dig such a bush and divide it into several parts.
Diseases and pests
Like all ornamental plants, garden chamomile shows a weakness to certain diseases and pests. When cultivating it, you can meet some of them, so it is worth arming yourself with information about common diseases in advance and promptly take the necessary measures.
powdery mildew
A coating similar to a white powder forms on the leaves.
Gray rot
Symptoms of the disease are brown spots on the shoots, leaves, which quickly increase in size and are covered with a fluffy gray mycelium.
Rust
Forms uneven spots of a reddish hue on the leaves and stem.
Fusarium
Drying of the plant, acquiring a brown color.
The fight against diseases and pests involves not only the implementation of chemical and biological measures, but also properly organized care .
How to transplant to a new location
For a quality transplant, dig a bush with a clod of earth so as not to damage the root system, move it to a hole prepared in advance, water and mulch.
Combination with other plants
Garden chamomile forms beautiful compositions in combination with such plants as calendula, cornflower, feverfew, poppy. Low-growing varieties will look spectacular along the edge of lawns and paths.
Answers on questions
How often should a plant be transplanted?
How to prune a bush?
After the plant has faded, cut off all the stems at the root to 10-15 cm from the ground. This will strengthen the rhizome and provoke the formation of new shoots. Garden chamomile will decorate with delicate flowers any local area, garden, flower bed. And cut flowers will stand in a bouquet for a long time, without losing their freshness and retaining their attractiveness.
A favorite plant for naive children's fortune-telling "loves - does not love", a sunny flower in a wide frame of snow-white petals, summer girl's wreaths - this is all garden chamomile. Easy to grow, cute in bouquets and in a flower bed, chamomile varieties have long been of interest to flower growers. Learn all about planting and caring for a pretty outdoor plant.
In fact, this is not a chamomile. Real chamomiles have small inflorescences with marginal flowers tending to zero in size, as, for example, in fragrant. But the name, pleasant for hearing, began to be applied to our heroine. Popovnik and nivyanik - these are the real names of garden chamomile.
This is a perennial plant belonging to the botanical family Asteraceae. It differs from real medicinal chamomile:
- non-branching stems;
- whole dense leaves;
- relatively large, single inflorescences.
In nature, leefflower prefers a temperate climate. It is very close in origin to chrysanthemums, so it is not surprising that three species (common, largest and magnificent) were included in the list of cultivated plants in open ground. For planting in home gardens, the garden chamomile varieties shown in the photo are suitable:
- Alaska is a cold-resistant variety that blooms all summer;
Alaska
- Crazy Daisy - a magnificent terry variety with shiny leaves and impressive, up to 1 m, growth, requires good watering;
- May Queen - when planted in the fall and well cared for, it begins to bloom in the last days of the school year;
- Princess - diameter of inflorescences up to 10 cm;
Princess
- Northern star - famous for the unusual whiteness of long marginal flowers.
Advice. Tell the children that according to legend, a large daisy grows where a fallen star hits the ground. They will be happy to help you take care of the plant.
Planting a plant: two alternative ways
Cultivated relatively recently, the cornflower has not forgotten the skills of independent seed reproduction. It is recommended to sow in the spring, at the end of May, when the threat of the return of cold weather has completely passed. Seeds are densely scattered over the surface of the site, lightly powdered with fertile soil. In the northern regions, you can cover the area with seeds with agrofiber.
Nivyanik seedlings are thinned out at the age of three pairs of true leaves. This is done because the small seeds of the plant are difficult to separate from each other. Struggling with thickening, leave 2-3 plants at each point, between which leave up to 40 cm of distance. Watering is done with care.
Planted chamomile seeds in open ground
Growing garden chamomile can also be started from seedlings. As in the first case, the seeds are almost not covered, and the seedlings subsequently dive into individual containers. Before the emergence of seedlings, the future cornflower plantation is kept under a film or glass, and later it is abundantly sprayed with a spray bottle. Seedlings of cornflower seedlings are transferred to open ground at the end of May.
Attention! The root system of the popovnik does not withstand stagnant water, which necessitates a good drainage layer in pots with seedlings.
Flower garden care with garden chamomile
Planting a solar flower is carried out only in drained soil in a well-lit place. Maintenance is minimal, but systematic. It consists of the following activities.
- Weeding. It is difficult for weeds to kill the cornflower, but its thin stems and medium-sized leaves will be lost against the background of extraneous vegetation. In addition, strangers can bring pests with them and take water and food from chamomile.
- Watering. The amount of water and the frequency of the event depend on the specific region, but in any case, the soil should not be allowed to dry out.
- Loosening. On the open ground around the garden chamomile bushes, the soil crust is systematically broken. This minimizes water evaporation and improves conditions for root respiration.
Before the onset of winter, the drying shoots of the cornflower are cut into a stump. Young plants can be covered with a layer of fallen leaves, adults are able to overwinter in the open field on their own.
Fertilizer and top dressing for bright flowering
When growing garden chamomile, it is impossible to do without fertilizer, because it needs food to bloom a huge inflorescence. The larger in growth and the more active in flowering the variety, the more nutrients it needs.
Water the chamomile as the soil dries up.
Phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied in the fall when preparing a flower garden for future plantings. In the future, nitrogen fertilizing is carried out:
- in the spring after the complete disappearance of the snow cover;
- at the beginning of budding;
- in the middle of July.
Ammonium nitrate, urea, mullein or bird droppings diluted in water are suitable as a source of nitrogen.
Attention! Chicken manure is a fertilizer supersaturated with nitrogenous substances and can burn chamomile roots. Dilute it at a ratio of 1:15 and apply only on moist soil.
Garden chamomile: plant propagation
Nivyanik seeds keep well on its flat basket even after full ripening. Dead flowering shoots are cut and dried indoors, after which the seeds are carefully removed from the basket and placed in opaque bags. You can store seeds in jars with a good supply of air, which are placed in a cool, shady place.
The second way to propagate leucanthemum is by dividing the bush. The operation is carried out in the spring, digging and dividing the largest specimens. For each division, it is necessary to prepare in advance a landing hole about 15-20 cm deep with a layer of fertile soil at the bottom. After planting, the soil is pressed to the roots and watered abundantly. Further care when growing delenok is exactly the same as when sowing seeds.
An adult bush can be propagated by division
Diseases and pests of cornflower
- powdery mildew, similar to a fine white powder;
- gray rot in the form of unpleasant dirty fluff from the mycelium of the fungus;
- rust, in appearance resembling uneven red spots;
- fusarium, expressed in general oppression, browning and drying out of the plant.
All these are fungal diseases, the fight against which consists in timely treatments with preparations with a high content of copper sulfate or a strong solution of laundry soap.
Among the pests on the cornfield, you can find aphids and thrips, against which spraying with Aktellik helps (instructions on the label). The yellow median flowers are affected by the star-winged fly that falls on the cornflower from other aster plants. Killing weeds is the best way to stop fly breeding.
Chamomile in the flowerbed
The combination of garden chamomile with other plants
Photos of the best gardens in Russia and Europe show amazing compositions of garden chamomile with reed grass, pyrethrum, calendula, cornflowers, yellow and red poppies. Low-growing varieties successfully frame lawns and garden paths. Combinations of nivyanik with a wild stone of an alpine hill or the banks of an artificial pond evoke a feeling of pristine nature, a bright summer afternoon.
Nivyanik, also known as garden chamomile, is a meadow plant exquisite in its simplicity, appreciated by flower growers, a welcome guest in gardens in romantic and country styles. Regular weeding, monitoring soil moisture and its nutritional properties allow you to admire snow-white stars in your favorite flower garden from year to year.
Garden chamomile: video
An indispensable attribute of a suburban area is considered to be a rock garden, in which many different flowers and herbs grow, as well as an obligatory lawn with shrubs and herbs. And perennial garden chamomile is found here most often. Caring for chamomile is not difficult, because it does not require special attention. And against the background of bright greenery, yellow or blue heads of daisies will attract attention.
Varieties of daisies
You can enjoy the beauty of daisies for a very long time. But still it is worth choosing from the whole variety of varieties exactly the one that will look perfect on your garden plot. After all, there are just a lot of varieties of this amazing flower. The variety of varieties of garden chamomile is amazing. You can choose any flower you like. They are differ in size and shape. You can even choose those that will look like chrysanthemums with their fluffy and luxurious petals, and the red terry chamomile also looks very beautiful.
Bushes can have a variety of colors and shades. They can be red, pink, lilac and pale blue. You can also choose chamomile with different flowering time. And bouquets of daisies can stand for more than one day in your house and delight you with their beautiful and delicate flowers.
Types of garden chamomile perennial
But still it is worth understanding the most popular varieties of daisies:
- Garden Daisy Princess. It has large flowers up to 12 cm in diameter. Its flowers are most often used in the preparation of beautiful and delicate bouquets. And in one place the plant can remain up to 4 years.
- Alaska - refers to large-flowered plants. Its head can reach 12 cm in diameter. The plant is quite tall, can reach a height of 90 cm. This variety of daisies belongs to drought-resistant plants. The peak of flowering is in July and August. The plant is planted in the fall, and in the summer next year the plant will delight you with flowers.
- The silver princess is characterized by the particular whiteness of the petals on its flowers. This variety is most often used for group plantings, which makes it simply indispensable for creating alpine slides and small original flower beds. This plant begins to bloom already in July, and finishes blooming its beautiful cups already before frost.
- No less popular is the Winner variety. Its snow-white inflorescences delight owners from July to August. They do not require shrub division and transplantation within 4 years after planting.
- Fiona Coghill has pompon-type flowers, up to 10 cm in diameter, inside small bright yellow flowers.
Today there is simply a huge number of varieties of garden daisies which allows you to choose the best option for yourself.
How to grow daisies and propagate them
You can grow a flower in a variety of ways: seeds; dividing the bush; seedlings. The flower requires slightly acidic soil. Then, no matter how you grow it, it will take root and delight you with its beautiful and delicate flowers.
The plant does not like shade, and therefore it is worth choosing a sunny place for it. And before landing thoroughly fertilize the soil. If too acidic soil prevails on the site, then its acidity should be reduced by adding soda or dolomite flour. The more space you leave for planting and growing a plant, the easier it will be to care for it.
Planting seeds
Planting the plant with seeds is carried out directly in open ground in early May. It is worth remembering that the seeds of Persian chamomile are very small, and therefore, for their speedy germination, you should sprinkle them with a small layer of soil. After the first shoots have appeared, they should be carefully looked after.
In particular, you need water the sprouts regularly and plentifully. After 4–5 leaves appear on each plant, they must be planted in two or three bushes side by side. Planting chamomile seeds can be carried out in the fall, then with the onset of warm days you will see the first tender sprouts.
When planting a plant in the spring, you must follow these rules:
- The air temperature should not fall below 16 degrees.
- For better seed germination, they need to be sown under covering material.
- The thickening of the plant is not beneficial, and therefore, when growing, the bushes should be carefully thinned out.
- The soil for planting should be neutral. Chamomile does not tolerate waterlogging.
- Be sure to apply mineral fertilizers to the soil before planting.
Seedling breeding
To grow a plant from seedlings, a little preparation is needed, the seeds should be planted as early as March. Beforehand, it is required to lay out high-quality drainage at the bottom of the tank. Seeds should be planted in moist soil, while they should be sprinkled with a thin layer of soil, or not sprinkled at all.
Dive should be carried out in plastic cups or peat pots. In a plastic cup, be sure to make a hole to drain water.
After that, the pots should be covered with a film and put in a dark and dry place. When the first shoots appear, the film should be removed. Seeds needed moisturize thoroughly so that they sprout as soon as possible. And after the emergence of seedlings, cups with seedlings should be placed on the windowsill, because the plants will need light and heat.
Seedlings should be planted outdoors after frost has passed. It happens at the end of May. Landing in open ground is carried out in bushes, two or three pieces at a time. The distance between them should be at least 40 cm. This is done so that in the future the plants do not intertwine with each other and do not interfere with each other.
Shrub division
An equally popular method of planting Persian chamomile is the division of the bush. This is done like this - in the spring the bush is completely dug out and divided into two or three parts. In this case, all work must be carried out with bare hands.
This is done in order not to damage the roots of the plant. The plant can reproduce in this way annually. Yes, and it will begin to bloom in the same year. Cultivation of chamomile should be carried out in stages:
- dig a hole slightly larger than the root system;
- put mineral fertilizers at the bottom;
- they need to be sprinkled with soil;
- plant a plant and sprinkle the roots with soil;
- water thoroughly.
All ways to grow chamomile are extremely effective. Therefore, each gardener can choose the one that suits him.
Features of chamomile care
Growing garden chamomile does not cause much trouble to the owner. In order for the plant to fully develop, you just need to follow some rules:
Garden bush chamomile can have quite large heads when it begins to bloom. But for this, the plant needs to be periodically rejuvenated. This is done through trimming one side of the shrub. But every year you need to alternate sides. And in the fall, it is important to cut the plant to the ground in time. This will help him not to freeze in winter and will not need to cover the chamomile for the winter.
Garden chamomile (Chrysanthemum maximum) is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus of daisies and the Asteraceae family. It is characterized by strong and resilient stems, the height of which, depending on the species, ranges from 30 to 100 cm.
Smooth sheets of dark green color have a two-pin shape and a light ornament. The flower of most species reaches a diameter of two to 15 cm and consists of a bright yellow center and flat white or yellowish petals with a delicate, sweetish aroma. Ripe fruits are very small seeds. Garden chamomile should not be confused with meadow, medicinal or Chinese chamomile, which can also often be found in garden plots.
Chamomile garden: the birthplace of the plant and options for use in garden decor
The countries of the Mediterranean, South Africa and East Asia are considered to be the birthplace of modern large garden chamomile, where it grows in natural conditions. In our country, it is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Due to its unpretentiousness, discreet beauty and long flowering, it has found wide application in landscape design. With its use, flower beds, mixborders, lawns and borders are decorated.
The flower is especially well suited for areas decorated in a rustic style. In this case, they are planted at the porch of the house, around tall trees and in the recreation area. In flowerbeds and lawns, they are combined with mint, lemon balm, yarrow and calendula. They also look great against the background of tall decorative poppies and surrounded by marigolds.
Chamomile: characteristics of plant species
Decorative garden chamomile has a large number of varietal varieties. The most common of them include:
- North Star. This is a very common and popular variety among gardeners. A branched strong bush grows up to seventy centimeters in height. The flowers are large enough, flowering lasts from the beginning of summer to the onset of autumn;
- Garden princess. The most common chamomile in garden plots. Its dense and elastic shoots reach up to thirty-five centimeters in height. Large inflorescences reach ten centimeters in diameter. This variety begins to bloom in mid-July and continues until early October;
- Silver princess. This variety belongs to undersized plants, it reaches a height of no more than thirty centimeters. At the same time, the plant has rather large flowers that begin to bloom in July. This species blooms before the onset of frost;
- Alaska. This is the largest-flowered garden chamomile up to ninety centimeters high. Its flowers reach twelve centimeters in diameter. It is a drought tolerant variety that blooms briefly towards the end of summer;
- Winner. The height of this varietal variety ranges from fifty to ninety centimeters, and the flowers reach a diameter of eight to twelve centimeters. Flowering begins in June and ends in August;
- Aglaya. A very beautiful variety, the bushes of which grow up to eighty centimeters. Large terry flowers have a chrysanthemum shape, around the bright yellow middle there are several rows of narrow, dissected at the ends of the petals of different lengths. The flowering of this variety lasts from the beginning of summer to the onset of autumn;
- Chamomile girlish Solar ball. This bushy, undersized varietal variety is not like ordinary garden daisies. It is compact, the height of the bush reaches no more than thirty centimeters. Its small flowers up to two centimeters in diameter look like air cushions and are completely painted in bright yellow. Flowering continues throughout the summer.
Garden chamomile: planting and care technology in the open field
Regardless of the variety and color of garden chamomile, the rules for caring for it are the same. They are not difficult and quite within the power of even beginners in gardening. This flower is unpretentious, but if you give it a little attention, then its development will go much faster, and flowering will be much more abundant.
Site selection
For planting garden chamomile, you should choose a fairly sunny area with well-drained sandy soil with neutral acidity. If the soil is strongly acidic, then in the autumn period dolomite flour and slaked lime should be added to it.
Features of growing chamomile garden (video)
Landing
Before planting, you need to dig up the selected area well and fill it with humus at the rate of one bucket per square meter. After that, it must be dug again and shallow holes made at intervals of about thirty centimeters. Pour one glass of ash into each and plant seedlings. P pour precipitation and mulch with peat or sawdust. The gaps between the holes should be covered with ammonium nitrate at twenty grams per square meter. This will allow the plants to quickly gain green mass.
Watering and feeding
Since garden chamomile is a rather large plant that loves moisture, watering should be regular and plentiful. But waterlogging of the soil should not be allowed, which leads to rotting of the root system.
Feeding is of great importance for the proper development of the plant. The first time it is carried out during the period of laying buds using complex mineral fertilizers. Then it is repeated every two weeks in order to get large inflorescences.
Weeding and shaping the bush
Garden chamomile does not tolerate the neighborhood with weeds, so it needs regular weeding and loosening, which will ensure the flow of air to the roots. In order for the bush to have a neat shape, and the inflorescences to be large, minor stepchildren should be regularly removed, which are formed in the axils of the leaves.
Transfer
Garden chamomile can grow in one place for up to five years. But, usually, in the third year of growth, the bushes become too thick, and the inside begins to die off. In order to maintain a spectacular and decorative appearance of the plant, it should be transplanted at this moment. It is advisable to do this in the autumn, after flowering has ended. For transplanting, you need to choose a cloudy day, dig up a garden chamomile bush and separate well-developed young shoots from it and plant them in a prepared area.
Preparing for winter
At the end of autumn, you need to prepare the garden chamomile for wintering. To do this, you need to cut off the entire ground part from the plant and mulch the area. After that, it should be covered with dry foliage and covered with spruce branches. In winter, you can additionally cover the plantings with snow.
How to plant a chamomile (video)
Methods and technology for propagating chamomile in the garden
Garden chamomile reproduces by dividing the bush and by seed. But in order to grow a full-fledged plant, you need to know how to do it right.
Reproduction by seeds
Garden chamomile seeds can be sown directly into the ground in spring. But, in this case, the formation of a full-fledged adult plant will have to wait a very long time, almost until the onset of autumn. That's why most often the seeds are used for growing seedlings.
To obtain seedlings, it is necessary to prepare planting boxes with a good layer of drainage and nutrient soil at the beginning of March. On its surface it is necessary to evenly distribute the seeds, sprinkle them with a small layer of sand and carefully water. Landings should be covered with polyethylene and sent to a shaded room with an air temperature of twenty to twenty-five degrees. After the seedlings appear, the shelter should be removed, and after the formation of the third leaf on them, the seedlings should be picked into separate small pots. It is necessary to plant seedlings in open ground only after spring frosts have ended.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Reproduction by dividing the bush is a more efficient way to propagate garden chamomile, as it allows you to get an adult flowering plant in a short time. To do this, in the middle of spring or early autumn, you should choose a well-developed large bush and carefully dig it out. After that, you need to clean the root system of excess soil, inspect it and remove dried and rotten roots. Divide the rhizome into several parts, and plant them in separate holes, into which a little mineral fertilizer and ash should be applied before planting.
There are several types of plants that are very similar in type to garden chamomile, but have colored petals:
- Feverfew or otherwise Persian (Dalmatian) chamomile (Pyretrum parthenium). The plant is an unpretentious perennial, growing from fifty to one hundred centimeters in height. On strong long peduncles are flowers with a diameter of six to twelve centimeters, having a bright yellow center, surrounded by red petals. Currently, many hybrid forms of the plant have been bred with simple, semi-double and double inflorescences of pink, raspberry, burgundy and yellow color. Flowering feverfew maiden comes in June and continues throughout the summer;
- Erigeron or small-flowered (Erigeron). This perennial plant reaches a height of sixty to eighty centimeters. Its flowers are very similar to daisies and are characterized by a yellow center and narrow densely arranged petals of blue, lilac, lilac, purple, red and pink. The diameter of the flower basket reaches five centimeters. This plant begins to bloom in early summer and continues until mid-August.
These plants can be harmoniously combined with garden daisies in various garden compositions. In addition, they have similar conditions of detention and rules of care.
Why is the greatest daisy confused with chamomile
There is another flower that inexperienced gardeners mistake for a garden chamomile. They are called nivyanik, or leukantemum(Leucanthemum). This is due to the great external similarity of bushes and flowers. But if a comparative characteristic of plants is carried out, then some differences can be seen. The flowers of the leucanthemum are larger and more powerful than those of the garden chamomile. In contrast to its thin, delicate, bright green leaves, the foliage of the daisy is dark green, very dense and stiff, and has a solid crenate shape. Chamomile bushes branch quite strongly, and on each shoot there are several flowers. In leucanthemum, one shoot corresponds to one flower.
How chamomile breeds (video)
Growing and caring for garden chamomile is not difficult, and its discreet beauty allows you to refresh any garden landscape. In addition, they look great in the cut, perfectly combined with most other garden flowers. Bouquets made from it can decorate a room for up to ten days, retaining their original appearance.
