Celandine: [Cultivation, Irrigation, Care, Pests and Diseases]

The Chelidonium majus is a plant native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Its scientific name means «little swallow» probably because its flowering coincides with the arrival of these birds.

However, this plant is not as sweet as its name since it has been considered one of the most poisonous plants in the world.

The entire plant is toxic and, if ingested, can cause narcosis, paralysis, bradycardia, and even cancer. Still, celandine is a widely cultivated species due to its medicinal properties .

The most important application has to do with the removal of warts in different parts of the body, as well as to treat other skin abnormalities. The celandine is also called a swallow because it was observed that it was born when the swallows came and died when they left.

What characteristics does celandine have?

When they are cut, they excrete a milky yellow-orange juice called latex. Celandine leaves are distinct at the base and upper sections. In the case of the upper ones, they are alternate and lobed, with 5 to 7 lobes per leaf; with serrated edges and villi.

The basal ones are petiolate and sprout directly from the stem. The flowers of this plant are yellow, composed of 4 petals arranged in a cross shape. They are grouped in small bouquets of 3 to 6 florets which bloom for a long time, from March to September.

The fruit is a small pod-shaped capsule that opens spontaneously. On the other hand, the seeds are small and black; they are usually dispersed by ants.

When to sow celandine?

In the case of growing it by division, this should be done during the month of March, although it is not recommended due to the sap that springs from the plant .

Where to plant celandine?

The celandine is well developed in temperate or cold climates, in cool and shady wetlands. Although it is a shade plant , it can be grown in environments under direct sunlight, or in semi-shade.

It is important to add that celandine is a highly resistant species to low temperatures. So it can be grown outdoors , or indoors, in pots. For safety, this plant should be out of the reach of children or pets.

How to prepare the land?

The celandine prefers to be grown in fertile, moist or moderately dry soil with a pH of 4.5 to 7.5. In fact, this plant will not grow unless the substrate has a high nitrogen content in its composition.

In the event that the soil does not have the above requirements, it can be improved by adding organic matter with a higher nitrogen content . Worm humus, composted manure , coffee beans, among others, can be very useful to favor the composition of the soil.

How do we water the celandine?

The celandine is a species of wet environments and does not tolerate drought. Therefore, frequent watering is recommended to keep it healthy and provide it with the moisture it needs.

Irrigation will generally depend on the climate and the type of soil in which the plant has established itself. It is usually more frequent during the growing season and in hot or dry times. Instead, it should be decreased during your vegetative rest.

How often do we water the celandine?

How to sow a celandine step by step?

One of the easiest ways to grow celandine is through seeds. Below are the steps required to grow it.

1. Put the seeds of the celandine in warm water for 12 hours. This will allow them to hydrate and facilitate the germination process.
2. Spread the seeds on the surface of a moistened universal substrate, either in a seedbed, or in individual pots.
3. Cover them with a thin layer of substrate and moisten with a water spray.
4. Place the containers in a place away from direct sunlight, at a temperature that remains around 15ºC. They can be kept outside as long as the frost season has passed.
5. Wait until the seedlings have developed a pair of true leaves so that you can expose them to the sun or transplant them into the ground.

What care does celandine need?

The celandine is maintenance once established. In fact, it is a species that spreads easily and is extremely invasive as it displaces other less demanding species. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate.

To prevent celandine from reproducing uncontrollably, it will be important to be careful about its location to prevent the seeds from dispersing. Likewise, it is recommended to prune it during the spring , when the flowering begins.

As mentioned at the beginning, the entire celandine plant is toxic, especially the roots. For this reason it will be necessary to wear gloves whenever you are going to prune or reduce roots.

What pests and diseases affect celandine?

To date, no pests or diseases have been reported that deeply affect celandine . This is due to the defense mechanism that it presents when secreting latex when some branch is billed.