Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ.
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ., commonly known as coronate or wild chamomile, is a plant species that falls under the Asteraceae family. It is an annual herbaceous plant that is known for its medicinal properties, mainly its anti-inflammatory and sedative effects.
Origin
Originally, Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. was found in Europe and Asia, but it has now been naturalized in North America. It grows in open and disturbed areas throughout most of the world.
Common Names
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. is known by a varied range of common names. Some of the common names include wild chamomile, scentless chamomile, false chamomile, or mayweed.
Appearance
The plant grows up to about 50 cm in height and has a branching stem that is slightly hairy. The plant's leaves are feathery and delicate with a leaf blade that is 2-3 times pinnate and up to 2 cm long. Its flower heads are borne singly on the stems and resemble those of true chamomile. The flower heads have a central yellow disc and white rays that are rolled back beneath it.
Uses
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. is commonly used in traditional medicine to relieve headaches, stomachaches, and nausea. Its extracts have also been used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
The plant's essential oil is used in the cosmetic industry as it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as an ingredient in various cosmetic preparations such as lotion, shampoo, and soap. Additionally, Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. is popular for use as a mild sedative and has been used to help with sleep and relaxation.
Light
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. commonly grows in full sun to partial shade. For optimum growth and development, plants must receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants grown in shady areas usually exhibit poor growth and do not produce as many flowers as those grown in full sun.
Temperature
This plant grows best in locations with an average temperature range of 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can cause damage to the plants. During the winter months, the plant goes dormant and can survive frosty conditions for a short period. In general, the plant prefers mild temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
Soil
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. grows well in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils. The plant is not tolerant of excessive moisture and can quickly die if the soil is waterlogged. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for the growth of this herb. The addition of organic matter such as compost or aged manure can be beneficial for improving soil quality and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods:
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. is a hardy annual plant that grows well in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can be sown directly into prepared soil in the spring or fall, or it can be started indoors and transplanted out after the last frost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Once they have begun to grow, thin them out to allow for proper spacing - which should be about 6 inches apart.Watering Needs:
Chamomile requires regular watering, especially during the early stages of growth. After the plants have become established, they can tolerate some drought conditions, but they will grow better if the soil is kept evenly moist. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.Fertilization:
When it comes to fertilizing chamomile, less is more. These plants are naturally tolerant of poor soil conditions, and too much fertilizer can lead to an abundance of foliage and a reduction in flower production. If you feel compelled to give your chamomile a boost, use a natural, organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.Pruning:
Chamomile is not a plant that requires much pruning. However, if you want to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms, you can pinch back the stems after the plants have reached approximately 6 inches in height. This will encourage the development of more lateral stems and ultimately more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season will also promote a longer blooming period.Propagation of Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ.
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ., commonly known as wild chamomile, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is propagated by seeds and can be easily grown in the garden or containers.
Seed Propagation
The best way to propagate Matricaria chamomilla is through seed propagation. Sow seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Seeds can be started indoors or directly sowed in the garden after the last frost. When planting directly, space the seeds 1 inch apart and about ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 10-14 days.
In case of indoor planting, water the seedlings from beneath to avoid disturbing the seeds. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden. When transplanting, space the seedlings 4-6 inches apart.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Matricaria chamomilla is also possible through stem cuttings but they usually don't develop roots easily. This is why seed propagation is the most common way of reproducing this plant.
Using the above-mentioned propagation techniques, you can easily propagate your own Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ. plants to add to your herb garden or to produce your own chamomile tea.
Disease and Pest Management for Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ.
Matricaria chamomilla L. var. coronata (J. Gay) Coss. & Germ., commonly known as chamomile, is a popular herb that is used for various medicinal purposes such as treating insomnia, anxiety, and digestive problems. However, just like any other plant, chamomile is also prone to various diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and yield if not managed properly.
Common Diseases of Chamomile
Chamomile is often affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, botrytis blight, and damping-off. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves, while botrytis blight appears as brown spots on the leaves and flowers. Damping-off, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that affects the seedlings, causing them to rot and die.
Management of Fungal Diseases
To manage these fungal diseases, it is important to keep the plants healthy by providing them with adequate water and nutrients. It is also important to avoid overhead irrigation, as this can promote the growth of fungal spores on the leaves. In case of an infection, affected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be applied to control the spread of the disease, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when using them.
Common Pests of Chamomile
Chamomile is also susceptible to pest infestations, such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pests feed on the leaves and flowers, causing damage to the plant and reducing its yield.
Management of Pest Infestations
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plants regularly for any signs of pest infestation. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be introduced to the garden to control the population of pests. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can also be used to control the pests, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when using them.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in chamomile is prevention. By keeping the plants healthy and monitoring them regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation, it is possible to prevent these problems from becoming severe and affecting the yield of the plant.
