Linden: Cultivation and Culinary Uses

The linden tree is a very beautiful ornamental plant. It can adapt to any environment, and able to clean the air, so much so that it is one of the most used on urban streets. Furthermore, linden has a great advantage: maintenance is not complicated.

Index of topics

Linden species

They also grow wild in Italy, in the hilly and mountainous regions up to 1500 meters above sea level, two species of lime trees and also a natural hybrid. This is the Tilia cordata, curly lime tree or wild and of the Tilia platyphyllos, the common or local lime tree. The first has rather small, typically heart-shaped leaves, green above and paler beneath and glabrous, except for the presence of small tufts of reddish-brown hairs corresponding to the main veins. The second has much larger leaves and, usually, finely twisted on the underside.

Where it is grown

The species mentioned above and their resulting hybrids are grown in parks and gardens; all lime trees have very fragrant flowers, with the exception of the Norway linden (which is, however, highly prized as a honey plant). The Norway linden can be planted anywhere, in the mountains and on the plains; it is very rustic and adapts to any terrain, even if shallow or moist. The common lime tree is also extremely frugal and thrives anywhere, even in poor, dry soil. The important thing is balanced soil. Other lime trees do best when planted on flat or hillsides, in deep, fertile, permeable, but cool soil.

Land and cultivation care

The hybrid mentioned above, derived from the crossing between the previous species, is classified as European tiliaIt is recognisable by the fact that it is a typically suckering plant as well as by its green leaves which are almost completely glabrous, except for the presence of minute white hairs in the axils of the main veins on the underside. The famous silver lime tree is also grown in the gardens (Tilia argentea syn. Tilia tomentosa) with very large leaves and typically silvery on the reverse, due to the presence of a thick down; from this species widespread in the wild in south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor, hybrid varieties of remarkable vegetative vigor and of great ornamental value due to its large leaves. Also interesting are the Tilia americana , Tilia heterophylla, coming from America.

How to plant

The average distance between plants should be between 5 and 8 meters, considering that a linden tree can reach a height of 25-30 meters. It is not advisable to start growing lime trees from seed.It will take a year for germination and another six years to see a plant 1 or 1,5 meters tall. It's best to start directly with a mature plant that's 5-10 years old, so you can proceed straight to transplanting. This way, you'll have linden flowers and their wonderful scent from the very first year of your grow.

Transplant

The most delicate thing when transplanting the lime tree is to ensure the necessary nourishmentIn particular it is necessary to bury 5 kilograms of manure or well-rotted compost. If the soil is poor, it is a good idea to add 5 kilograms of manure or compost at least once a year.

Once properly transplanted, the linden tree does not require any special care. Rainwater may be sufficient for water., and the only maintenance that cannot be missed is pruning.

Use of linden

Aside from the pleasure of enjoying the beauty and scents of such a unique and simple tree, linden flowers have countless uses. From cooking to infusions. Insomnia, stress, anxiety, and nervousness: these are all conditions that can be curbed with compresses and infusions made from linden flowers. as we explain in this articleFlowers that can be picked starting in June.

Linden and sleep

Linden has a mildly sedative effect, and is therefore recommended as a natural product for promoting sleep, even for children. Linden can release tension through a simple infusion and relieve nervous fatigue related to stress.

Lime: cultivation and culinary uses