Overview
Sison ammi L. is an annual flowering plant classified under the family Apiaceae, native to Europe, western Asia, and the Mediterranean region. It is commonly known as the Greater Plague-wort or Stone Parsley.
Description
The plant reaches a height of about 1.5 meters and has a large, coarse stem and long, dark-green, glossy leaves that are pinnate with ovate leaflets. The flowers are small and white and form in umbels, with 12-20 rays that are unequal in length. The plant's fruits are ovoid or oblong and have a beak-like apex. The entire plant has a distinct, unpleasant odor that has been described as sour, musty, or like a mixture of carrot and parsley.
Uses
Sison ammi L. has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a diuretic and as an antihelminthic. It has been suggested to have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Additionally, the plant has been used as a spice in some cultures, particularly in Iran and Kurdistan, where the fruits are added to seasonings and sauces.
In the United States, Sison ammi L. is not commonly cultivated or used, but it can be found growing wild in some areas.
Light Requirements
Sison ammi L. typically grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to properly grow and thrive. However, it can tolerate moderately shaded conditions, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperate climates and grows best in cool to warm temperatures ranging between 8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F). It won't grow well in extremely hot or cold temperatures and can't tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements
Sison ammi L. prefers a fertile and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic soils but won't tolerate highly alkaline soils. It also prefers slightly moist soils but can tolerate both dry and moist conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Sison ammi L.
Sison ammi L. is a plant that requires well-draining soil to grow. It thrives best in a partially shaded spot and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant should be sowed at the beginning of spring, and germination typically takes place within three weeks. The plant should be thinned regularly during its early stages of growth to ensure that there is enough space for each seedling to develop sufficiently.
Watering Needs of Sison ammi L.
Watering Sison ammi L. can be a tricky task because the plant does not like to sit in water. You should avoid overwatering the plant or letting the soil dry out completely. The plant requires about one inch of water per week, and it is best to water it at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause diseases like powdery mildew.
Fertilization of Sison ammi L.
Sison ammi L. is not a heavy feeder and does not require regular fertilization. However, if you want the plant to thrive, it is recommended to fertilize it once every six weeks during its active growing season. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote root development and bloom growth.
Pruning Sison ammi L.
Pruning Sison ammi L. is necessary to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming lanky. The plant should be pinched back during its early growth stages at least twice to encourage branching. Pinching the plant means removing the top of the stem, forcing the plant to grow lateral branches. Deadheading spent blooms is also essential to prevent the plant from setting seeds and to encourage more bloom growth.
Propagation of Sison ammi L.
Sison ammi L., commonly known as stone parsley, is propagated through both seeds and root division. Here are the methods:
Propagation by Seed
The most common way to propagate Sison ammi L. is through seed propagation. The seeds need to be harvested at the end of the flowering period when they are mature and dry. They can then be stored in a dry place until the next growing season. In the spring, the seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transplanted into the garden once the soil has warmed up. The seedlings should be spaced 12-24 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Propagation by Root Division
Sison ammi L. can also be propagated through root division in the spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one main stem and several roots. Replant the sections in a prepared soil that is rich in organic matter and moist. Water the divisions regularly until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management of Sison ammi L.
Sison ammi L. or the Bishop's Weed, is an herbaceous plant commonly found in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. It has been traditionally used for medicinal and culinary purposes. While it is relatively easy to grow, Sison ammi L. is not immune to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Sison ammi L. is susceptible to root rot caused by overly damp soil and poor drainage. Symptoms include wilted leaves, yellowing of the foliage, and stunted growth. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and not water-logged.
Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems, turning yellow or brown as it progresses. To prevent mildew, avoid watering the foliage and keep the plant in a well-ventilated location. If mildew appears, remove the infected parts and apply an organic fungicide as needed.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can quickly infest a plant. They cause yellowing and curling of the leaves and weaken the plant. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the infestation is severe, use a systemic insecticide.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant cells, causing yellowing, browning, and leaf loss. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with water regularly and using an organic insecticide like neem oil. Introducing predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings can also help control spider mites.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on plant sap and cause leaf curling, distortion, and browning. They can also spread viral diseases among plants. To control thrips, use yellow sticky traps to catch the flying adults or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing predatory insects like nematodes or lacewings can also help control thrips.
Sison ammi L. can be a rewarding plant to grow, but it requires proper care and management for it to thrive. By being vigilant and addressing issues as they arise, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Sison ammi L. plant.
