Costmary(Chrysanthemum balsamita) leaves, also called bible leaf, or ale cost is an aromatic herb of the aster family. The perennial plant has yellow button-shaped flowers and the leaves of the plant are often used in potpourri and sachets. The bitter, slightly lemony leaves can also be used fresh or dried in dishes such as stuffings, stews, and soups. However, because the leaves are somewhat bitter, they should be used sparingly.
Costmary plants are easy to grow and require little care. The plants prefer full sun but they also tolerate some shade. The plants will self-seed readily if the conditions are right. Plants grown from seed often bloom in the first year.
Costmary plants are sometimes called “bitter aloes.” However, they are not related to the aloe plant. The name “costmary” comes from the Latin word for “garden mint.”
Costmary, Bible leaf, or alecost, is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It has been used since medieval times as a flavoring agent and insect repellent.
The plant is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia but is now naturalized in North America and Australia. Tanacetum balsamita is a tall herb that grows to 1-2 m in height.
The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, with a serrated margin and a fuzzy surface. The flowers are yellow and arranged in clusters at the end of the stem. The plant blooms from June to August.
Tanacetum balsamita is typically propagated by seed, although it can also be propagated by division. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and does not require much fertilizer.
Tanacetum balsamita can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and sauces. It can also be used to make tea. tanacetum balsamita oil is used commercially as an aromatic ingredient in soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics.
In some parts of the world, Tanacetum balsamita is considered an invasive species.
Costmary leaves can be used as a flavoring or as a pot-herb. The plant is also known as ‘balsam herb’, ‘bittertheless’, ‘balsamites’ or ‘golden-marguerite’.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Costmary_Getty_Villa.jpg)
Downtowngal, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential
![Essential - Costmary](https://i0.wp.com/growyourowngrub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Costmary-1.png?resize=259%2C642&ssl=1)
Do Costmary plants bear flowers and fruit?
Costmary produces small yellow or white flowers. The plant is more commonly grown for its leaves, which are used for flavoring. Costmary is a herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family and it does not produce fruit. Its flowers are small, yellow and borne in terminal corymbs.
Benefits of Costmary
Costmary is a perennial herb with a long history of medicinal and culinary use. The leaves of costmary can be used to flavor vinegar, tea, or lemonade, and the plant is also reputed to have mild sedative properties.
Costmary can be used in spells and charms for protection, healing, and love. In the garden, costmary makes an attractive ornamental plant, with its pretty white or yellow flowers and tall, upright growth habit.
Costmary is easy to grow and care for, and it is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. If you are looking for a herb that is both beautiful and versatile, costmary is an excellent choice.
Best time for planting Costmary plants
The best time to plant Costmary is in the spring, after the last frost. It can also be planted in the fall, but it will not overwinter in most climates.
Costmary is a perennial herb that grows well in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet conditions. Costmary can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
The division is the most successful method. To divide, dig up the plant and carefully separate the rootball into two or more pieces, making sure each piece has several strong roots.
Transplant the divisions to their new location and water well. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in the spring or summer and rooted in moist sand or potting mix.
Once rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Costmary can also be grown from seed, but it takes several weeks for the seeds to germinate and the plants to mature enough to produce leaves that can be used for culinary purposes.
For this reason, it is best to start with plants or cuttings.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/Balsamita_major.jpg)
Balsamita major
Caring for Costmary plants
Costmary is a herb that is native to Europe and Asia. The plant has long, elliptical leaves and produces small, yellow flowers.
Caring for costmary is relatively simple, and the plant can be grown in most climates. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips for caring for costmary:
🍁 Costmary prefers full sun but also tolerates partial shade.
🍁 The plant should be watered regularly, but it does not like to have wet feet. Be sure to drainage is good.
🍁 Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
🍁 Costmary is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases, but it can be affected by powdery mildew if the leaves stay too wet.
Avoid overhead watering and water early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.
Companion plants for the Costmary
Companion plants are plants that grow well together, often because they provide complementary benefits. Companion planting can be used to deter pests, attract pollinators, or improve nutrient uptake.
When selecting companion plants for Costmary, consider plants that offer some of the following benefits:
🍁 Pest deterrence: Lavender, rosemary, and thyme are all strong-scented herbs that can help to repel pests.
🍁 Pollination: Borage and calendula are both attractive to bees and other pollinators.
🍁 Improved nutrient uptake: Companion planting with legumes (such as beans or peas) can help to improve the nutrient availability in the soil.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Tanacetum_balsamita_cv.majus_Kh.208_But.jpg)
What is a Costmary?
Costmary, also known as balsam herb, bible leaf or sweet Mary, is a perennial plant in the daisy family. Costmary is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America and Australia.
Costmary grows to a height of 1-2 feet and has oval-shaped, serrated leaves that are 6-8 inches long. The leaves are aromatic and have a bitter taste. Costmary blooms in late summer and early fall, producing yellow or white flowers.
Benefits of costmary plants
Costmary has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It was used to treat digestive problems, colds and coughs. Costmary was also used as a strewing herb, placed on the floor to sweeten the air and repel insects. Today, costmary is grown as an ornamental plant and is used in potpourris and sachets.
Costmary is often used as a garnish or decoration, but it can also be used for its medicinal properties. The herb is known to relieve indigestion and cramps. It is grown for its aromatic leaves, which are used in potpourris and as a seasoning for food.
Costmary can be used to flavor soups, stews, and other dishes. It pairs well with chicken, pork, lamb, and fish. Costmary can also be used to make a herbal tea.
Growing Costmary in containers and pots
Growing Costmary in containers and pots is a great way to add this herb to your garden. Costmary is an aromatic herb that has a long history of use in medicine and cooking. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they have a mild minty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
If you’re interested in growing Costmary, here are a few tips:
🍁 Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Costmary has a deep taproot, so it needs plenty of room to grow.
🍁 Use a well-drained potting mix. Costmary doesn’t like wet feet, so make sure the mix drains well. A mix of one part peat moss to one part sand is a good option.
🍁 Water the plant regularly, but don’t let it sit in water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering.
🍁 Feed the plant once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer.
🍁 Cut back the plant in late winter to encourage new growth in the spring.
How long does Costmary take to grow?
Costmary is a herbaceous perennial in the daisy family that is native to Europe and Asia. Costmary is also known as “balsam herb”, “blessed Mary’s gold”, or “ragwort”. The plant grows to a height of 1–2 m (3–7 ft), with dark green, deeply lobed leaves. The small yellow flowers appear in summer.
Costmary is easy to grow from seed, and can also be propagated by division. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. Costmary is best harvested in early summer when the leaves are at their fullest flavor. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. To dry, costmary leaves should be cut just before flowering and hung upside down in a cool, dark place.
Dried leaves should be stored in an airtight container out of direct sunlight. When using fresh leaves, they should be chopped just before adding to food. To make costmary tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves to 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Irritation to pets from Costmary
Irritation to pets from Costmary can include redness and swelling of the skin, hair loss, and itchiness. If your pet has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
Costmary may also cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet ingests Costmary, contact your veterinarian or the Poison Control Center for animals immediately.
Symptoms of costmary poisoning can include convulsions, tremors, and paralysis. In severe cases, Costmary poisoning can be fatal. To prevent irritation to pets from Costmary, keep plants out of reach of animals and supervised when they are outdoors.
If you think your pet has been exposed to Costmary, contact your veterinarian or the Poison Control Center for animals immediately.
Pests and diseases in Costmary
Pests and diseases are common problems related to the growing of Costmary. However, there are a few ways to effectively control them. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases in Costmary, and how to control them:
🍁Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause damage to leaves and stems, and can also spread disease. To control aphids, use an insecticide or Baits formulated to target them specifically.
🍁Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, wingless insects that feed on plant sap and cause damage to its leaves and stems. To control mealybugs, use an insecticide or Baits formulated to target them specifically.
🍁Thrips: Thrips are tiny, winged insects that feed on plant sap and cause damage to leaves and stems, and can also spread disease. To control thrips, use an insecticide or Baits formulated to target them specifically.
🍁Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that can cause damage to leaves and stems, and can also spread disease. To control whiteflies, use an insecticide or Baits formulated to target them specifically.
Planting and spacing for Costmary
🍁 Plant Costmary in early spring, after all the dangers of frost have passed.
🍁 Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your plants.
🍁 Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
🍁 Plant the roots so that the crown of the plant is level with the surface of the soil.
🍁 Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
🍁 Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and control weeds.
Propagation of Costmary
Propagation of Costmary can be done through several methods. The most common include division, cuttings, and seed. Propagation by division is the most successful method, as it results in a plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
Propagation by seed is the least successful method, as it results in a plant that may not be identical to the parent plant.
Propagation by cuttings is somewhere in between, as it can result in a plant that is either identical or not identical to the parent plant, depending on how the cuttings are taken.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure success.
Soil composition and ph levels for Costmary
🍁 Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family that is native to Europe and Asia.
🍁 It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH level of 6.0-7.5.
🍁 Costmary is a drought-tolerant plant that does not tolerate flooding or waterlogged conditions.
🍁 The plant can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
What does Costmary look like?
Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita), also called balsam herb or candle flower, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa and has been introduced to North America.
The name “costmary” comes from the Latin word costus, meaning “costus root”, which was used as a spice before the introduction of Cinnamon. Costmary is a bushy herb that grows to 1-2 m tall.
The leaves are alternate, oblong-lanceolate, and have serrated margins. The flowers are white or yellow with their discoid heads borne in corymbs. The fruit is achene.
Varieties of Costmary
Varieties of costmary include:
🍁Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): A common variety of costmary that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a common weed in North America. The leaves are teardrop-shaped and have toothed margins. The capitula are yellow and about 5 mm across.
🍁Sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata ): A variety of costmary that is native to North America. It is an important browse species for wildlife. The leaves are silver-grey and lobed. The capitula are yellowish-white and about 3 mm across.
🍁Mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris ): A variety of costmary that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a common weed in North America. It has dark green leaves with serrated margins. The capitula are greenish-white and about 4 mm across.
Watering Costmary
🍁 Water the plant deeply and less frequently to encourage deep rooting.
🍁 Water in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall, to minimize the risk of disease.
🍁 Reduce watering in winter, when growth is slower and the plant is less actively growing.
🍁 Check the soil before watering to see if it is dry; overwatering can be as detrimental as underwatering.
🍁 Water at the base of the plant rather than from overhead to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
What is a bible leaf plant?
The bible leaf plant is a succulent that is native to South Africa. The leaves of the plant are thick and fleshy, and they are often variegated with bands of white, green, and pink.
The plant gets its name from the resemblance of its leaves to the pages of a bible. The bible leaf plant is a popular houseplant, and it is often used in dish gardens and terrariums.
The plant is relatively easy to care for, and it can tolerate periods of neglect. However, the plant does require bright light and well-drained soil.
Bible leaf plants are susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, so it is important to inspect the leaves regularly for signs of pests.
Costmary | |
Water | Rarely needs water and no fertilizer; may reqiuire watering in severe drought or dry weather conditions. |
Soil ph | 6.0 – 6.7 |
Sunlight hours | Althought the plant grows in partial shade, requires 6-8 hours of daily sunlight. |
Pests and Diseases | Leaf spot, wilt, powdery mildew, aphids, spider mites |
Temperature | It grows well in a temperature range of 25-35 deg C. |
Soil composition | Grows in soil that is kept evenly moist, does well in loamy, humus-rich soil. No additional fertilizer is required. |