Alecost
Tanacetum balsamitafam. Asteraceae
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Pl. 2B22 — Tanacetum balsamita
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IOverview
Overview
Alecost (Tanacetum balsamita) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family and is native to regions including Cyprus, Iran, Krym, South European Russia, Transcaucasus, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. Known for its light, airy form, this plant can grow up to 0.9 meters tall and thrives in well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clayey types with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Alecost is both edible and medicinal; its leaves are commonly used in culinary applications. The plant also has documented uses in traditional medicine, making it valuable for various purposes. One distinctive feature of alecost is its dry, moist nature, which suits environments where water availability fluctuates.
Quick answers
What is Alecost?
Alecost (Tanacetum balsamita) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family and is native to regions including Cyprus, Iran, Krym, South European Russia, Transcaucasus, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. Known for its light, airy form, this plant can grow up to 0.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Alecost support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alecost thrives in well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH of 6.5 to 7. It prefers moist but not overly wet conditions and requires moderate watering. The plant is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5 to 9 and can grow up to 0.9 meters tall. Alecost benefits from full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade. For propagation, gardeners can use division or seed sowing. Harvest the edible leaves for culinary uses.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Alecost for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Alecost in a well-draining soil and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Alecost in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Amend soil with compost for good drainage and pH between 6.5–7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spaced 30-45 cm apart. Transplant young plants in the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting deadheading, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Pest controlFragranceStrewing
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 23 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 7 native· 23 introduced
Europe4 regions
native (3)CyprusRussiaUkraine
introduced (1)Italy
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
introduced:Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah
VIIIGarden companions
1 pair
Garden companions
1 pairPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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