Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium

Water

Feverfew should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, so check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry to the touch. Typically, watering once or twice a week is sufficient, depending on weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. As a guideline, aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering.

Light

Feverfew thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this herbaceous perennial is where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal to protect the plant from the intense heat of late day sun during the peak of summer.

Temperature

Feverfew prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from around 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature conditions should avoid extremes; feverfew may not survive if temperatures drop consistently below freezing or soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing a location where the temperature stays within this range will help ensure healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune feverfew to encourage bushier growth, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and cut back spent flower stems to promote additional blooming. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall to prepare it for the next growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Feverfew thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.7. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can provide the required drainage and nutrients. Amend with organic matter to enhance fertility.

Repotting

Feverfew should be repotted annually, especially if grown in containers, to replenish nutrients and provide room for growth. Choose a slightly larger pot each time to accommodate the expanding root system.

Humidity & Misting

Feverfew prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can survive in a range of conditions. It does not require high humidity to thrive and is tolerant of dry air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Feverfew in a sunny window and water when soil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant Feverfew in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) starts its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in early spring as temperatures rise. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, concentrating on root and foliage growth. As the plant matures, it elongates to form a stem and produces distinctive yellow-green foliage with daisy-like flowers, usually blooming in mid-summer. After pollination, which often involves insects, the plant sets seeds in late summer to autumn. These seeds may fall to the ground and enter a period of dormancy through the winter, or they can be dispersed to germinate elsewhere. Feverfew is a perennial herb, thus, if the plant does not die after flowering, it can enter a dormancy phase during cold weather, regrowing from the same root system in the subsequent spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Propogation: Feverfew, scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium, is commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow feverfew seeds is in late winter to early spring, aiming for a period when the temperatures begin to rise consistently but are not yet too warm, typically around late February to March in most climates. To propagate feverfew by seed, the surface-sown method is used because these seeds need light to germinate. Simply scatter the seeds thinly over the surface of a well-draining soil mix in a flat or container, and gently press them into the medium without covering them with soil. Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy and place the container in a bright, warm location. Germination usually occurs within two weeks if the conditions are optimal. Once the seedlings have grown sufficiently and are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final positions in the garden.