Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a charming perennial herb with small daisy-like flowers. While the plant has been grown traditionally for herbal use, it has also been grown and used as a wonderful cut flower. Learn how to grow feverfew in your perennial garden, and add a sweet touch to your flower arrangements.
When I first grew feverfew, I grew it as a hardy annual flower, and it flowered in that first year. Pleasantly surprised when it reappeared the next season, it was a perfect touch for adding to flower bouquets.
The plant is actually a tender perennial, and the second season the plant grew much taller, as it matured. There were also a number of volunteer plants appearing, which were welcomed in the garden.
Feverfew is very easy to grow from seed. In this post I’ll cover how to plant and care for feverfew in the garden, to have lots of healthy plants to enjoy and use, year after year.
Understanding Feverfew
Feverfew is a perennial herb. These flowering plants were traditionally grown for herbal use, in ancient times, including for treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, and arthritis. (source)
Now many gardeners grow feverfew as an ornamental plant in garden beds, and it has also found it’s way to the cut flower garden.
This flowering herb contributes aesthetically to the beauty of the garden with it’s tiny daisy-like blooms. The flowers are similar to those of chamomile, with tiny delicate white petals encircling a bright yellow center.
The plant also has green feathery leaves, which add to it’s ornamental quality.
There are a number of different varieties to choose from, including single varieties, and some with double blooms, and then others with subtle shade differences as well. We grow a single variety named ‘Vegmo single’, and this year I am also adding sweet double blooms named ‘Tetra white’ and ‘Magic green lime’.
The stems have a branching habit, and can provide a second flush of blooms if they are deadheaded to conserve energy, which can promote reblooming. Often used as a filler flower in bouquets, they add a soft wildflower look.
Feverfew flowers also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, which is an added bonus.
Growing Feverfew From Seed
You can grow feverfew as a hardy annual, as I did in my first year with this plant. It may surprise you and return to the garden in subsequent years, with the right care.
Feverfew is easily grown from seed indoors. Start the seeds in late winter or early spring.
If growing as an annual, and you are looking for blooms in the first season, make sure to give yourself lots of time from seed starting to planting out. It will take approximately 100 to 110 days from planting to maturity and blooming sized plants.
Planting The Seeds
- The seeds do not require stratification, and can be planted directly at the time you choose.
- Start the seeds in a cell seed tray full of a good quality soilless seed starting mix.
- Make a little dip in the top of each cell and surface sow a seed into each space.
- Bottom water the tray to make the soilless mix moist, and keep the mixture moist during the germination process. Make sure not to let the cells dry out at this time.
- Bottom watering helps to keep the seeds in place.
- Place on a heat mat until you get approximately 60% germination of the seeds.
- Then remove from the heat mat, and place under a grow light, where the seedlings will continue to grow until it’s safe for planting outside.
- Make sure to harden off the seedlings before transplanting outside.
- Plant out after the danger of frost has passed. Know you last frost dates for your plant hardiness zone to keep the seedlings safe.
Transplanting To The Garden
Transplant the seedlings when the weather warms, and after they have been hardened off.
Feverfew is hardy once it has acclimatized, and can even tolerate some cool weather and mild spring frosts.
Plant into the garden, in a sunny garden spot, spacing the individual plants approximately 9 inches apart.
The seedlings can also be added to containers, with good drainage and a high quality potting soil.
Water in well after planting, and keep moist while the roots are getting established.
Maintenance And Care
Light Requirements
- Feverfew thrives best in a full sun location but can tolerate partial shade. For best flowering however place in a sunny area.
- Make sure that the planting area receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth.
Moisture Requirements
- Water in well after planting, and keep watered while the plants are establishing.
- Once established, feverfew is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions for short periods.
Soil Requirements
- Feverfew grows best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, and in sandy or loamy soil, for good drainage.
- It’s important that your feverfew is planted in well drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Consider adding organic matter like compost or aged manure into the soil before planting, to help improve drainage, as well as enhance the soil fertility.
Deadheading And Pinching
- Deadheading spent blooms will help the plant conserve it’s energy away from seed making, and you may get a second flush of blooms as a result.
- There is no need to pinch feverfew to stimulate more stem production.
Harvesting Feverfew
Although many perennial plants do not bloom in their first year, feverfew is an exception. If the seeds are planted early enough, the mature plants will begin to bloom in approximately 100 days from planting.
Harvest feverfew stems when approximately one half of the flowers on a stem are open. Make sure to harvest on a dry day, and morning or evening harvests are best, as this is when the plants are the most hydrated.
Condition the flowers for several hours in a bucket of water or holding solution, in a cool and shaded location.
Vase life is 7 to 10 days.
Using Feverfew
Feverfew can be used as a filler in flower arrangements. The tiny white flowers look great when bunched together and can be added to give the arrangement texture and balance.
Keep some of the ferny foliage at the top of the stem, removing any leaves and flowers from the bottom half of the stem, to prevent any leaves from going below the level of the water.
Feverfew can also be dried and used in dried arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feverfew An Annual Or Perennial?
Feverfew is a herbaceous perennial plant, although is often grown as an annual in cooler climates with harsh cold winters.
Does Feverfew Spread?
Feverfew easily self seeds, and spreads when grown in ideal conditions. If the plant likes where it is growing, you may find some new volunteer seedlings growing in the garden next year.
What Pests And Diseases Can Affect Feverfew?
Feverfew can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Regular monitoring, proper spacing for air circulation, and organic pest control methods can help manage these issues.
How Tall Do Feverfew Get?
Feverfew can grow from 28 to 36 inches in ideal conditions. I found that the plant height is shorter in the first year of growth, and taller in subsequent seasons.
Conclusion
Growing feverfew can be a great addition to any garden, offering both beauty and functionality. This attractive ornamental plant looks great both in the garden and in the vase.
By understanding how to plant and grow feverfew, you can make sure that your plants thrive in your garden.
Make sure to use some for cutting, to enjoy the versatility of these charming little flowers.
At the end of the season, be sure to save some seeds, for planting out again next year. And if you are lucky your feverfew may be perennial, to return to the garden, year after year.
Have you ever grown feverfew from seed? Be sure to leave a comment below to share your experience!
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