Content
- Pimpinelle: cultivation and care of the little meadow button
- Sowing pimples
- Cut inflorescences regularly
- Pimpinelle and fertilize
- Diseases and pests
- Tips & Tricks
Pimpinelle: cultivation and care of the little meadow button
Originally the easy-care Pimpinelle - actually "small meadow button" comes from the Mediterranean, where it still grows wild today. However, the herbaceous plant has been native to us since the high Middle Ages and flourished in many monastery and cottage gardens. Once the Pimpinelle was even attributed a healing effect against the dreaded plague.
Sowing pimples
The sowing of the Pimpinelle is quite easy, since the seeds can be spread directly from March into the open air. A preference on the windowsill is ergo not necessary. Choose a sunny location with humusous, rather moist and calcareous soil, with the individual seeds easily covered with soil. The young plants should later be warped at a distance of about 20 to 30 centimeters. The plant develops very deep-reaching taproots, which is why later transplanting is usually not possible.
Cut inflorescences regularly
Unfortunately, the Pimpinelle has the habit of sowing itself and then proliferating properly. So if you prefer not to grow your garden with the vigorous Pimpinelle, cut the inflorescences more regularly during the growing season. This measure also has the advantage that the herb remains aromatic and usable in the kitchen - blooming pimpinelle looks very pretty, but does not taste very good. The main flowering period is in the months of May to August.
Pimpinelle and fertilize
The small meadow button needs to flourish a loose, humus and moist soil. Under no circumstances should the plant be too dry, otherwise it will not develop too much aroma. Also, a drying of the soil - such as potted plants or in very sunny locations - is to be avoided, which is why, especially in warm summers a regular watering. If possible, pour the plant from below so that the leaves are not wetted. In the spring, the plant can be supplied with some mature compost or with horny shavings, during the growing season fertilization with a liquid herbal fertilizer.
Diseases and pests
Basically, the Pimpinelle is quite insensitive to diseases or the infestation of pests - provided that the plant is healthy and strong. Weakened or incorrectly cast plants are quickly attacked by Downy Mildew. This disease caused by a fungus is noticeable by brown, rapidly spreading spots on the leaves. Even aphids do not stop at the juicy leaves of the Pimpinelle.
Tips & Tricks
In the kitchen only the young, tender leaves of the Pimpinelle are used. These taste fresh best, but can also be frozen.
IJA