This beautiful and simple daisy flower has long been much appreciated as a gift, to decorate the house or to grow in the garden. It is a kind of plant with many varieties of different colors, the white one being the best known by the name of Daisy Flower. It is a plant for ornamental use in gardens and as a cut flower, in floral decorations, it also has medicinal value. I show you how it is cared for and various uses.
the daisy flower
It is one of the best known flowers on the planet, along with roses and orchids. When talking about the Daisy Flower (Bellis perennis ), usually it is thought of because of the flower with white petals and a yellow center, however, due to the different varieties that are cultivated of this species, it is found in garden houses and flower shops Daisy Flowers of various colors.
Some common names as they call this plant that is distinguished by this beautiful flower, are common daisy, chiribita, vellorita or also pascueta. It is a herbaceous growth habit plant that is part of the Asteraceae family, which are used mainly for their beauty as an ornamental plant, to grow in gardens to form hedges with other plants and to make floral bouquets.
Origin
The Daisy Flower comes from the European continent, is distributed from central Europe to North Africa, and extends as a natural species to Central Asia. Due to its ornamental use, it can be found in different countries, from Asia Minor, New Zealand, the United States and the rest of the world. Daisy flowers can be seen in wild meadows, in forests, near streams and especially in pine forests.
Legends
There were the Daisy Flowers, growing in a green forest along with other flowers. The Daisies were proud to be considered the most beautiful flowers, for their beautiful white petals and the intense yellow color of their center, which made them different from the rest of the flowers. His playmates were butterflies, bees, birds and other insects and, after some time, a family came to the forest.
It happened that while playing one of the children of the family he observed the Daisy Flowers and they liked them, he picked one to show his mother. La Flor de Margarita, in her innocence, never thought that he was going to hurt her. When he arrived before her mother, she marveled at the beauty of the flower and told him that you could ask the Daisy Flowers if they love you or not. That the Daisy Flower should get rid of and ask if they "love me" or "they don't love me", the boy began to ask and when only one petal remained, the flower died without knowing why?
Roman Legend of the Daisy Flower
According to this Roman legend, dressing up as the Daisy Flower helped the nymph Belides save herself from the god of the dead Vertumnus. This is because it turns out that this beautiful nymph who lived in the forest realized that she was attractive to this feared god and, to go unnoticed, she transformed into a Daisy Flower.
Features
They are perennial plants with herbaceous growth, since their stem remains green and they are not woody. Sometimes they have a rhizome-like stem, glabrescent because they lack villi, or laxly pubescent, with obada-spatulate leaves, rounded with serrated edges, their size varies between 10 to 60 millimeters by 4 to 20 millimeters.
It has scapes without leaves with a size of 20 centimeters. It has bracts with multicellular hairs with a certain abundance on the underside. It presents hemilingulate flowers of a size between 5,5 to 8,5 millimeters, with an involucre of less than 2-5 millimeters of difference in size and its tube of 0,3 to 0,8 millimeters, sometimes purple or purple. . Its yellow florets measure 1,5 to 2 millimeters. Its fruit is an achene that is 1-1,5 by 0,5 to 1 millimeter long, obovoid. It blooms in spring.
Care
The size of Margarita reaches between 0 and 5 meters high and most of the time 1,50 centimeters. You have basal leaves with pubescent hairs, its flowers are laminated in shape, with a grouped center of yellow florets and surrounded by petals. It has flowers almost all year round, it begins its flowering in spring and culminates in the winter season.
There are about 20.000 species of daisies. In order for you to show off your daisy flowers for a long time both as plants and cut flowers, here are some steps to grow and maintain your beautiful white daisy flowers. Margarita Flowers are cultivated in different countries and there are also different species. Here are some considerations for your care.
They are plants that like moist soil, but care must be taken not to waterlog the soil. The irrigation frequency will be 2 to 3 days each week, to moisten the soil. You have to control the amount of water, several weekly irrigations with a small amount of water are suggested. Planting time is in the spring season.
The soil that has to have good permeability and drainage in the planting soil. This will guarantee that the irrigation water infiltrates well where the Margarita Flowers are planted, so that their roots do not suffer. In those clay soils you can add a little sand, or also add 2 centimeters of organic soil.
The irrigation frequency is suggested to be done every two days or when you observe the dry land. It is sought that the soil is moistened but not waterlogged. If you have some daisy flowers planted in a pot, look for the plant to receive good lighting, such as near a window, on a terrace and in a lighted internal patio.
Control the density of plants, this can be done by eliminating dead individuals and thus the new flowers can have a good growth. You can also control the density of their population by cutting the youngest Daisy Flowers and placing them in a vase with water.
Propagation and Cultivation
Margarita plants maintain their flowering almost all year round, facilitating the extraction of seeds. These plants reproduce by seeds and cuttings or stakes. To sow the seeds and seedlings of Margarita Flowers, it is advisable to carry it out in spring or at the beginning of the summer season. It is advisable to sow the seeds in seedbeds or small pots and then transfer to the final planting place, when it measures about 13 centimeters.
For the seeds collected from the daisy plants to germinate, black soil is mixed with soil from the garden or another substrate. The sowing substrate is already prepared, the pot where to sow is found and the substrate mixture is added. Then with a pencil or thin stick open some small holes to add one or two seeds. The depth of the holes will be about 6 millimeters. The seeds are placed with the pointed part down, then you cover it with a little bit of soil.
Once the seeds are placed, it is watered to moisten the soil, when observing the dry soil, it is watered again. When watering the seeds, the pot is covered with transparent plastic paper to allow the arrival of sunlight and increase the temperature of the seedbed. By covering the seeds, the water vapor will keep the planting environment humid. Once the plastic has been placed, place the pot or seedbed near a window or a place that receives indirect sunlight.
After some time, the seeds will begin to germinate. It is time to remove the plastic wrap, when the daisy seedlings have about three to four leaves. It is time to start transplanting to the definitive planting place outside, first it has to be fixed after the frost has passed.
Because they are plants from temperate zones, it is suggested that they be planted after the frosts have passed. While they can be planted inside a house or place such as a greenhouse or nursery and then transplanted in the spring or summer season.
When you are going to transplant, you have to choose a place that receives direct sunlight for at least 8 hours, but not so intense. For this, it is convenient to sow in one place and place a canopy with nursery mesh while it grows and cover it in the midday hours, or water frequently to keep the roots moist but without flooding the soil.
Daisy plants are quite vulnerable to root rot from overwatering. It is suggested to add about 2 centimeters of organic compost, to improve good drainage. Once soil conditions have improved, holes are made to prepare the small seedlings. The maximum depth of the holes is about 6 millimeters and the distance between holes is 30 centimeters. Then start transplanting the seedlings, when you take them out of the seedbeds, take care to avoid mistreating the roots, sowing them and compacting the soil.
Once the Margarita seedlings have been transplanted, water the soil around each plant to help root growth, do it carefully so as not to damage the small plants. Once a week all the plants and the soil are carefully watered. Fertilize according to the manufacturer's recommendations, every month and a half, as it is demanding in nutrients for its flowering.
Peculiarities
The Daisy Flowers belong to the Asteraceae family, like the "sunflowers", both have florets, where the hermaphrodite flowers are found on the inside of the floral disc and the female flowers are located on the outside. Daisy Flowers are highly desired by pollinating animals such as bees, birds, among others.
Used to make floral bouquets
Whether it is to give a gift to a person of your esteem or want to treat yourself for an achievement obtained or simply decorate your home with the elegant and sober Daisy Flowers, in those places where sunlight reaches, it is a good decision. Its beauty and simplicity provide a touch of distinction to the rooms. If you have decided to give or buy a bouquet of Margarita Flowers, here are some suggestions:
Quartz white daisy flowers. If you want to give flowers to a loved one that convey a message of innocence, purity and cheerfulness. I suggest you give the Daisy Flowers in a bouquet, like this “Quarzo White Daisy Bouquet”, when you least expect it or for no reason at all, simply because you love them. Be it to your partner, loved ones, friends or others.
You can also make beautiful bouquets with Margarita Flowers with Gerbes Daisies or known as gerberas, which are Daisies of various colors. Also, a basket of white, lilac and pink daisy flowers, pastel tones and white create a very special balance of harmony and warmth.
Biochemical composition
Among the benefits of the Margarita Flower extract, it catalyzes the production of tyrosine by the body. It also has astringent properties that serve to heal superficial wounds. Pharmacy professor Ali Esmail Al-Snafi discovered the composition of the Margarita Flower extract, declaring that it has the following components:
Anthocyanins
It is an antioxidant that is usually found in red, blue or purple fruits, such as: beets, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, black soybeans and others. This secondary metabolism helps increase the levels of antioxidants in the blood if consumed frequently.
flavonoids
Flavonoids are the most common group of polyphenolic compound, which is acquired through the diets of humans. According to research, these offer many benefits to humans. Among the potential benefits they provide, it helps reduce inflammation, is an antioxidant and improves the body's conditions to avoid or control cardiovascular diseases, among others.
Polyphenols
These are the ones that have the responsibility of allowing the absorption of natural nutrients by the body, in addition to having antioxidant properties.
polyacetylenes
A high percentage of Polyacetylenes was found in the extracts of the Daisy Flower. Although these do not provide any direct effect on the health of human beings.
The Saponins
It is an amphiphatic glycoside that is found in large quantities in various plant species, including daisy plants. Therefore, it is known that the Flowers of Margaritas are also Saponins.
Triterpenes
In the substrate of the Daisy Flower, like all animals, vegetables and fungi, they constantly form their own triterpenes.
This leads to the conclusion that the extract of the Margarita Flower is very beneficial for human health, it is used when different ailments are observed, such as bruises, cough, pleurisy, inflammations of the reproductive and digestive apparatus, migraines, ailment, urinary system problems, gallbladder problems, liver problems, swollen breasts, and colds.
Medicinal Benefits of the Daisy Flower
Plant bellis perennis, receives various common names, are some: common daisy, English daisy, bruisewort, chiribita, vellorita or also pascueta, these names as they are known in different places. They come from northeastern and central Europe, due to their beauty and easy propagation, they are distributed in various places around the globe.
the generic name bellis perennis, It means eternal beauty in Latin. Since it is known, people have used its infusion and parts of the plant for various culinary, medicinal, ornamental and perfume uses. Daisy flowers in particular have many health benefits. In some pharmacies you can buy extracts of the Daisy Flower that can be used easily. These extracts are the result of scientific research, it is used as an ointment, as a naturopathic medicine in infusion, among others.
Brighten the skin
The extract of the Daisy Flower (Bellis perennis), is used by the cosmetic industry to make beauty products for dermatology, the presentations come in serums, tonics, lotions, ointments and others. They contain the natural compound called L-arbutin that provides shine and luminosity to the skin.
This is a solution for when, due to long-term exposure to UV sun rays or pregnancy, an overproduction of melanin occurs, leading to depigmentation and hyperpigmentation, which becomes more noticeable over the years. The function of L-arbutin is to block the formation of melanin, preventing the production of dark spots. This function is complemented by organic acids such as tartaric and malic acid, which exfoliate the skin.
This means that Margarita Flower extract is a good substitute for Hydroquinone, a substance widely used by the cosmetic industry to resolve hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, the extract of the Daisy Flower is natural and does not have harsh and toxic ingredients. Being more recommended to use for sensitive skin and also for the skin of pregnant women.
Tones the skin preventing the formation of wrinkles
As the years go by, the collagen layer of the skin loses its thickness, resulting in a decrease in the recovery of the skin as when it is younger, wrinkles and sagging skin begin to appear. For this reason, products for dermatological care and also for make-up have been developed for a long time that contain Margarita Flower extract in their composition, managing to keep the skin looking soft and fresh.
Remedy for respiratory problems
The Margarita Flower extract can be used as a mouthwash, gargle, mouth rubs that will help counteract the swelling of the throat and mouth. This is because it is an anti-inflammatory, antitussive and expectorant consumed as an infusion to help cure respiratory ailments, such as colds and bronchitis.
Gastrointestinal and digestive discomfort
Taking extract of the Margarita Flower serves to stimulate the digestive system and in turn to solve problems of constipation, diarrhea, liver and gallbladder problems. Helps improve appetite. It also has diuretic and laxative properties. Likewise, the extract of the Margarita Flower serves to improve digestive cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.
Heal superficial wounds and various pains
In ancient times during the Middle Ages, they used parts of the daisy plants to heal bruises, joint pain, and also sprains. Apparently during the Roman Empire, the slaves who served the Roman doctors sent them to collect sacks of daisies, to extract the juice and soak the bandages with which they healed soldiers from injuries caused by their backs and spears.
The extract of the Daisy Flower has antibacterial agents and its characteristic of calming pain, helps to heal wounds, sores and scratches. In ancient times it was applied directly to wounds. Since then, its anodyne capabilities have been known, helping to calm pain and the use of the plant to treat open wounds, such as sores and scratches.
It is used to reduce uterine pain on the days of menstruation, during pregnancy and after childbirth. It helps reduce fever, through its diuretic capacity and sweating. To reduce fever, it can be used to reduce fever as an infusion or crushed on the forehead. It should be noted that in studies carried out on different plants of the Asteraceae family, it was determined that they are beneficial for curing cancer, when used as a complement to cancer treatment.
Preparation of the Daisy Flower extract
Margarita Flowers can be used through tinctures, ointments, decoction, in compresses and poultices. They can be consumed in juices or juices, salads and prepare sandwich breads. Its leaves are a source of vitamins A and C. In European countries they are used to make salads with cotton cheese. Its shoots are marinated in vinegar and with capers. The flowers are used for dessert decoration.
Preparation for drinking
The flowers and leaves are used to prepare infusions, however the flowers have more beneficial components for health. To prepare the Flowers of Margaritas it can be through infusions, tinctures, Juices, decoction and others.
- Infusion of Margarita Flowers, soak 3 grams of a dried Margarita flower in 200 milliliters of water, let stand for 10 minutes. After that time, strain it and serve it to drink 3 cups a day between meals.
- Tincture. Marinate 30 grams of Margarita Flowers, for a period of 10 days, in a minimum amount of 40% alcohol, it can be vodka or brandy. It is placed during that time in a dark place. After that time, 20 drops are taken three times each day.
- Juices of Margarita Flowers and leaves. The flowers and leaves are mixed with half a liter of water, honey is added to sweeten, and you can complement it with fruit. It is used for diseases of the respiratory tract and is drunk from one to three tablespoons a day.
Contraindications
Until now it is unknown if it has contraindications. Unless you are allergic to different plants of the Asteraceae family, which can cause allergies and respiratory problems. For this reason, it has to be observed if it presents any side effect.
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