Do you want to learn how to grow costmary?
Costmary is a perennial herb that grows well in USDA zones 4-9. It has an attractive appearance and can be used as a border plant, ground cover, or edging for flower beds. The leaves of the plant are fragrant and have been used in cooking since ancient times. They can also be dried and added to potpourri mixtures.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant with beautiful foliage, consider growing costmary this year! We’ll show you everything you need to know about planting it indoors or outdoors, caring for it throughout the season, harvesting your first crop of leaves next summer…and beyond! You won’t regret adding this herbaceous beauty to your garden today!
Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita)
When is the best time of the year to plant Costmary
the best time to plant costmary is in the spring. Costmary is a perennial plant, it grows in zones 3-9. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Sometimes it flowers during the summer months or if given enough sunlight. Pruning costmary is best done in early spring before new growth begins otherwise prune after flowering is over for the season. Costmary is a low-maintenance plant and can be used as a border, in a container, or in the landscape.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Costmary
If you want the costmary to be used as a ground cover, then plant it in a shady spot. You can also plant it in a sunny area to make it grow faster. Costmary is often grown as an annual plant, but if grown from seed, it can live for several years.
If you live in an area where the winter temperatures are cold, you can plant costmary in a container so that it’s easier to bring it inside when the weather becomes too harsh.
When planting costmary, be sure to space the plants about 12 inches apart. The plant will grow to be about 2 feet tall, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when planting it.
How Often Should I Watering Costmary
The best time to water Costmary is in the morning. Make sure to water evenly, and avoid getting the leaves wet. This plant can go several days without water, so it is important to know when to water. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is best not to re-water until the soil has dried out again. Never allow the pot to stand in water as this will rot the roots and kill the plant. Be careful not to water too much, as this will also cause root rot. Also, be careful that the plant is never allowed to dry out completely. The soil should always remain moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing Costmary: Fertilizer can be applied two or three times a year, in spring and autumn. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus. Costmary does not need a lot of fertilizer, so be careful not to over-fertilize.
The best time to water Costmary is in the morning. Make sure to water evenly, and avoid getting the leaves wet. This plant can go several days without water, so it is important to know when to water. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is best not to re-water until the soil has dried out again. Never allow the pot to stand in water as this will rot the roots and kill the plant. Be careful not to water too much, as this will also cause root rot. Also, be careful that the plant is never allowed to dry out completely. The soil should always remain moist but not soggy.
When and How to Harvest Costmary
Costmary can be harvested at any time during the growing season. But don’t harvest too many stems at once or your plant might become “leggy” and fall over.
The stems of the costmary plant, also known as alecost (which is where this herb gets its name), can be harvested to use either fresh or dried. The leaves are rather bitter and more flavorful when dried than when used fresh. To harvest the stems, simply cut them at the base of the plant.
To harvest the leaves, pinch off the top two or three sets of leaves from each stem. This will encourage new growth and keep your plant healthy. Be sure not to take too many leaves from any one stem, or you’ll harm the plant.
Different Ways to Store Costmary
Costmary, either dried or fresh, can be stored by placing it in an airtight container. The container should then be stored in a cool, dark place that is preferably away from drafts.
Special care should be taken not to over-dry the plant because this can cause it to lose its fragrance. This will also affect the fragrance of other herbs stored with it.
It is best to store larger quantities of costmary in one container than smaller amounts because you don’t want them to dry out any faster than they would on their own.
If you are growing your own costmary, it can be harvested and frozen. Simply cut the plant at its base, removing as much of the stem as possible. Then, place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a labeled airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh for up to six months.
Another option is to preserve your fresh costmary by making it into a tincture. This can be done by placing the leaves in a glass jar and covering them with high-proof alcohol. The leaves will need to be covered completely, so you may need to use more than one jar. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for at least four weeks. Shake the jar occasionally. After four weeks, strain the leaves from the alcohol and store the tincture in a labeled airtight container. It will keep for up to a year.
Other things of interest about Costmary
- Costmary is a member of the mint family.
- Costmary leaves have a strong, sweet aroma that is reminiscent of apples.
- The plant is native to Europe but has been naturalized in North America.
- It can be found growing in wasteland areas and along roadsides.
- The flowers are small and white and are borne in clusters.
- The leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.
- Costmary makes a delicious herbal tea that is said to be beneficial for the respiratory system.
- The plant is also used as a flavoring agent in some liqueurs.
- Costmary is often used as a medicinal herb, but the leaves have been known to be poisonous if ingested in large quantities.
- Costmary has also been used as a strewing herb and was used by sailors to protect themselves from ship-wrecked.
Conclusion: Now that you’ve read this article, we hope that it has given you a better idea of how to grow costmary. Costmary is something that should be grown in any garden as the plant can help with allergies and asthma. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The only downside is the plant grows best when temperatures are warm but other than that, there really aren’t many disadvantages or challenges to cultivating this herb!