Chamomile

Chamomile (in Latin Matricária) is a perennial flowering plant of the family Astrope or Complex. Ethnonym originates from the Latin word "matrix" (womb), because in ancient times the plant was used to treat female diseases. Initially, this name was used by the Swiss botanist Albrecht von Haller.

Leaves of a camomile of the big size, dark green color. Inflorescences are like baskets, 8-10 centimeters long. Marginal petals are reed, white, middle - small, yellow, tubular, fruit - seed, stems in height from thirty centimeters to one meter, depending on the variety.

In nature, the chamomile can grow as a spring plant and as a winter plant, but a predominant number of varieties develops according to the winter type.

Chamomile seeds are sown either in the greenhouse for seedlings in the spring or in autumn in open soil. They germinate at a temperature of 4-6 ° С, but still the optimum temperature is considered 20-25 ° C. For unhindered germination of seeds, a moderate combination of moisture and heat is needed. Rosette leaves begin to form after 20-30 days, and the first flowering appears 50-70 days after emergence. The flowering period of each basket is from 8 to 10 days. Camomile garden flowers begin to blossom since May, and in areas with a warmer climate - before, and continue throughout the summer, until October. During this time, the flowers are collected six times.

In nature, garden camomiles in the form of small weeds are common throughout Ukraine and in the European part of the CIS countries. The most extensive massifs are in the Crimea around Lake Sivash and in the Kherson region (Ukraine). In Ukraine, the cultivation and distribution of chamomile are engaged in special production, as a result of which annually there are about 672 tons of inflorescences.

Chamomile grows well on well-fertilized soil (not acidic) and in sunny places. It grows easily in one place. For chamomile, the best option is lime or neutral, sufficiently moistened and well-fertilized soil. However, it does not tolerate stagnation of water, in view of which it is necessary to make drainage in places with a high level of groundwater. Camomile is very fond of fertilizers, both mineral and organic. During the drought period, this plant needs watering, especially during flowering and vegetation.

Chamomile shoots are cut in autumn, and for the winter cover its roots with cover material or fallen leaves. With the onset of spring, it is necessary to release its rhizome as soon as possible from the leaves, in order to avoid obstruction.

Chamomile bushes are subject to division during the third to fourth years of growth. Otherwise, its flowering will diminish, and even the death of the plant is possible.

In ancient Egypt, in particular, the daisy was blue, and in ancient Greece Hippocrates compared it to the sun, because it treated malaria. It was with the help of chamomile that the ancient Aesculapius fought against the problem of food poisoning. A law was created obliging all Egyptians, without exception, to use chamomile garden in the form of infusion monthly on the third day.

In Europe, a fragrant chamomile was brought from North America. It happened very simply: in those days there was still no asphalt, people walked on the ground, the first Europeans who got into the New World trampled their shoes with the usual odor for those places, a fragrant chamomile, while the seeds clung to the soles and successfully crossed the ocean. Having got on a completely new soil for themselves, the seeds sprouted, they gave shoots, as a result of which the fragrant chamomile (grass) acclimated on one continent, growing wider and wider.

Nowadays there are 350 varieties of chamomile. Garden camomiles are widely used by landscape designers as frost-hardy, unpretentious and cute flowers that look great in any garden.