Feverfew Growing Guide

Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any sunny site with good drainage.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Six-month-old, well rooted plants tolerate winter temperatures to --29C (-20F). Most individual plants die in their second or third summer, after blooming heavily.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. When plants emerge after their first winter, mulch with rich compost or topdress with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Companions

Often planted with other tea plants where insects are not wanted. Feverfew repels insects of all nature, so it is a good plant to grow near entryways.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors in containers in late winter, and set out seedlings in spring. You can also work with purchased seedlings, or lift and move volunteer seedlings found in the garden. Set plants at least 12 inches (30 cm) apart in all directions. They are easily recognized by their lacy leaves.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Frequent cutting of blossoms helps feverfew stay in bloom longer. Depending on climate, feverfew is a biennial or short-lived perennial. When seeds are started early, it will bloom its first year.

Harvesting

To harvest for medicinal use, gather when the plants are in full flower but still holding an abundance of greenery. Medicinal preparations are made from a mixture of dried flowers and leaves.

Troubleshooting

Feverfew can reseed too well in hospitable spaces, so keep an eye on it for invasive tendencies.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Feverfew