USING FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN

Monday, December 19, 2011

The herb flower pyrethrum, Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, contains a natural insecticide that is non – toxic to mammals so it can be used to treat pests on the skin of humans and animals, as well as plants. It is non cumulative and decomposes rapidly. The flowers can be dried and powdered to sprinkle on plants which have some effect but better results are obtained from making a spray. When dealing with pyrethrum flowers, do wear gloves as prolonged contact may cause skin allergies.

To make a spray, the powder must first be steeped in an alcohol, like ethylated spirits, and then diluted with water. The active ingredient does not dissolve properly in water. Soak 2 oz (50g) of powdered pyrethrum flowers in 3 ft oz (75 ml) ethylated spirit. Dilute with 6 gals (271) water and spray on plants. Keep in a dark container and use quickly as it may deteriorate in the presence of sunlight.

The solution paralyses ants, aphids, bedbugs, cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and spider mites. Unfortunately it also kills helpful insects and begs its life as a fish poison in Malaysia so it shouldn’t be used near fish ponds. If you spray pyrethrum at dusk, bees will be safe by morning when they begin working. An extra note: if the active ingredients parathion or cinching are extracted from the flower and therefore concentrated, they are toxic to humans and animals so check the labels carefully if you buy it prepared.