True arnica (Arnica montana) has been used in natural medicine for centuries, so collecting the flowers over the centuries has almost led to the extinction of many populations. Although the wild variety is still difficult to use for commercial cultivation, it can be a beautiful ornament in the private garden.
How can I grow arnica in the garden?
To grow arnica successfully, choose a sunny or partially shaded location with lean, slightly acidic soil without waterlogging. Avoid using fertilizer and plant the light germinators, which only bloom in the third year, in the desired look of the garden.
The commercial cultivation of arnica
In earlier centuries, the healing effects of arnica were overestimated, although the toxic effects of certain ingredients were also ignored. Nowadays, arnica is no longer officially approved for internal use and should no longer be used to prepare teas due to its danger. However, there are various symptoms that aqueous extracts and tinctures from the collected arnica flowers are used to relieve:
- bruises
- Rheumatism complaints
- Gout
- bruises
- Injuries below the uninjured skin
Therefore, in recent years, new varieties have been bred locally for commercial cultivation in order to replace the imports of flowers from ecologically questionable wild collections abroad.
A plant with low demands
The real arnica does not have particularly high demands, but it is also not easy to grow everywhere. Although it is considered a mountain plant due to its occurrence at altitudes of up to 2,800 m, it also grows satisfactorily in valley areas that are not too cold and dry. In nature, arnica plants are often found in sparse forests and unfertilized meadows, although they can sometimes be confused with neighboring plants that are visually similar. Arnica seeds have small umbrellas similar to dandelions, which enable them to spread with the wind or via wild animals. As light germinators, they should not be covered with soil, but can be secured against drifting with some hay or grass clippings.
Choose the perfect location for the arnica in the garden
Arnica does not place high demands on the soil, but it tolerates waterlogging and lime-rich soils very poorly. If necessary, you will have to help with a little peat (€15.00 on Amazon) in order to have a slightly acidic soil environment for the arnica in the pot or bed. Poor soils should not and should not be fertilized. Choose a location that is as sunny or partially shaded as possible. Since arnica usually only blooms in its third year, you should carefully plan the plant into the look of the garden.
Tip
For some allergy sufferers, growing arnica in the garden can be treacherous, as the plant can cause rashes with blisters.
