There Tanacetum balsamita is a very valuable plant that belongs to the botanical family of Asteraceae. It has been used since ancient times as an aromatic and officinal.
It is often grown in vegetable gardens and is sought after by amateurs and gourmets because of its bitter but pleasant taste and the sweet and balsamic aroma of the leaves.
It can also be cultivated for ornamental purposes, given the beauty of the flowers. Furthermore, its flowering period is prolonged and lasts all summer.

So let’s get to know Tanacetum balsamita better and see how to grow it in the home garden. Let’s also find out what are its traditional uses in the kitchen.

Origin of the Tanacetum balsamita

The origin of the Tanacetum balsamita is traced back to western Asia.
Today it can also be found spontaneously in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, in continental Europe, in North America and in North Africa.
Its preferred habitat is wet scrubs and cool soils along rivers.

Other names by which Tanacetum balsamita is known

The Tanacetum balsamita is known with several scientific synonymsamong these we find:

  • Balsamite major
  • Balsamita vulgaris
  • Chrysanthemum balsamita
  • Pyrethrum balsamita

In our country, moreover, it also has several vulgar names, testifying to its great diffusion at the regional level. The most common are:

  • St. Peter’s wort
  • bitter grass
  • Roman mint
  • good grass
  • balsam
  • caciola grass
  • fritola
  • grass of the Bible
  • cost
  • greek mint
  • Maria grass
  • grass of the Madonna

Botanical characteristics of Tanacetum balsamita

St. Peter's grassSt. Peter’s wort is a perennial plant, generated from a rhizomatous and creeping root.
From the vigorous rhizome a thick tuft develops, formed by the basal leaves and erect stems.
In height, the stems can exceed one meter.
The pale green leaves have a characteristic elliptical shape, with a toothed margin and a short petiole. They are the aromatic part of the balsamite plant. In fact, if rubbed, they give off a strong odor reminiscent of mintdue to the high content of essential oil.

Flowers

Tanacetum balsamita flowersThe flowers of the Tanacetum balsamita develop at the apex of the stems. They are gathered in gold-colored flower heads.
If the plant develops in full sun, the flower head can form external, white ligulate flowers, very similar to daisies.
Flowering occurs in late spring. Tradition has it that the plant blooms on June 29, St. Peter’s Day, hence one of the many common names.
The flowers are persistent and last for a long time on the plant.

How to cultivate the Tanacetum balsamita

There cultivation of Tanacetum balsamita it is very popular among fans of aromatic plants.

Pedoclimatic needs

It is a rustic plant and being a perennial it resists the winter cold well, so it has no big limits with respect to the climate.
It takes root well in all types of agricultural landbut its rhizomatous root prefers fertile, medium-textured ones.
A good organic fertilization favors its vegetative development. Before starting to cultivate it, therefore, it is good work the soil deeply and amends you compost or earthworm humus.

Reproduction

The multiplication of St. Peter’s grass can take place by seed, by cutting or by subdivision of the tufts.
The latter is the recommended method, as it is easier to perform and is sure to be successful.
There direct sowing it is not very widespread, since the seeds are difficult to keep and have a low degree of germination.
The division of the tufts can be done in spring or autumn: portions of the plant are taken and they are transferred to a free space in the garden or in a vase.
We recommend leaving ample space for the plant to develop, as it is a perennial, and with time and the right care it can become very voluminous.
Another way to start growing bitter grass is to purchase a seedling from a specialist nursery. The plant for some time is quite easy to find.

Cultural care

The cultural treatments to grow the luxuriant Tanacetum balsamita consist of periodicals weeding and frequent summer watering. With the first technique we keep the St. Peter’s grass free from weeds. With summer watering, however, we protect the plant from long periods of drought, which suffers a lot. Furthermore, the water allows the continuous release of new basal leaves.
Another precaution is to remove the flower stems after flowering. The latter in fact, with their vigor, tend to deplete the tufts of the plant.

Collection

The most tender and fragrant basal leaves are the precious part of the Tanacetum balsamita. The harvest lasts from spring to late autumn, although the best time is before flowering.

Content and properties of the leaves

The leaves of the plant, in addition to the precious essential oil, contain bitter principles, tannic substances and sesquiterpenic lactones.
Already in ancient times, St. Peter’s wort was used for its medicinal properties.
It is a natural tonic, promotes bile secretion, is sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, carminative. Its oil has antibiotic properties.
Typically, the plant is used in the form of herbal teas, infusions or decoctions, especially to relieve the affections of the gallbladder. Furthermore, it is an excellent digestive, capable of counteracting symptoms of aerophagia and meteorism, vomiting, intestinal pains, bronchitis, colds.
If you can’t grow St. Peter’s wort in your garden, you can easily procure it its dried leaves.

St. Peter’s wort in the kitchen

St. Peter’s wort is famous for the aroma of its leaves. The taste is bitter, but very particular, and is reminiscent of a mix between mint and lemon.
In Italy these leaves are used finely chopped, to flavor meat dishes and soups. They can also be used to prepare special aromatic sauces. Finally, they are often used as a filling for savory pies and to prepare tasty omelettes, on ritual occasions such as, for example, on Easter Monday.

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Philip Owell

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