How To Grow Feverfew: A Medicinal And Visual Delight

Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew is a versatile herb that has earned a reputation for its medicinal properties and ornamental value. While many herbalists prize it for its natural headache-relieving qualities, horticulturists appreciate its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of settings. As we explore the world of feverfew cultivation, let’s delve into what makes this plant so special and how you can successfully grow it in your own garden.

What You’ll Learn

Feverfew, a member of the daisy family, has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. But before we dive into its uses, let’s explore its fascinating history and cultivation methods. The plant has been cultivated for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Its unique properties have made it a sought-after herb for medicinal purposes. Let’s start by learning about the process of propagation, which involves division or stem cuttings.

With proper care, feverfew can thrive in various environments, making it an ideal choice for gardeners. We’ll also cover essential growing tips, pruning and maintenance techniques, as well as cultivars to select from. Additionally, we’ll discuss managing pests and diseases that may affect the plant’s health. Finally, we’ll touch on harvesting and preserving feverfew for future use.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this quick reference guide will provide you with everything you need to get started.

What Is Feverfew?

Feverfew’s delicate, daisy-like blooms adorn spindly stems, their bright yellow centers a striking contrast to the parsley-like foliage. This versatile plant, also known as Matricaria parthenoides, Chrysanthemum parthenium, or one of its many colloquial names, can grow anywhere from 8 to 24 inches tall and equally wide. Its behavior is just as varied: in cooler zones it behaves like an annual, while in some areas it’s a perennial, and in warmer southern climates it can remain evergreen.

While sharing a similar appearance with true chamomile, Feverfew remains distinct, its unique characteristics warranting closer examination.

Cultivation and History

Feverfew, scientifically known as T. parthenium, has spread its presence from southeastern Europe to vast regions in Europe, Australia, and North America, thriving within USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 10. Its centuries-old reputation in herbal medicine was solidified when botanist John Hill featured it in ‘The Family Herbal’, touting it as a go-to remedy for headaches. This notion gained traction in the 18th century, cementing feverfew’s status as a trusted treatment option.

Initially thought to be a coolant for the body, its primary application lies in combating and preventing headaches. Additionally, it has been utilized to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and digestive issues. The entire aerial portion of the plant is viable for medicinal use, though commercial products predominantly employ the leaves. Research into feverfew’s efficacy as a headache treatment has yielded promising results, including a 2005 German study conducted by H. C. Diener et al.

, which demonstrated a reduction in migraine episodes among patients who ingested feverfew extract. Despite this progress, scientists continue to investigate the plant’s bioactive compound responsible for its therapeutic benefits.

Propagation

When it comes to cultivating new life, there are several ways to get started. One approach is to begin by starting seeds indoors in late winter, allowing them to germinate and grow until the weather warms up and all danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, you can direct sow your seeds directly into your garden once the risk of frost has diminished.

Additionally, if you’re looking to expand your plant collection, you can transplant seedlings from a nursery or garden center, or even divide existing plants that have outgrown their containers. These options provide a range of ways to bring new growth and vitality to your outdoor space.

From Seed

To kickstart your gardening journey, direct sow seeds after the final frost, burying them only a quarter of an inch beneath the soil’s surface. You can plant rows about a few inches apart and then thin them out once they reach a height of around a foot. Maintain consistent moisture levels until germination occurs. Alternatively, you can get a head start by sowing seeds indoors five to seven weeks prior to the last frost date.

To do this, scatter the seeds across flats filled with well-draining seed starting mix and gently tamp them down. Only cover the seeds lightly, as light exposure is crucial for germination. Place the flat under a dome lid in a sunny location, ensuring it remains evenly moist until the seedlings emerge. Expect the germination process to take around 10-14 days.

Transplants

Once the threat of frost has passed and at least two true leaves have developed on your transplants, it’s time to transfer them to their permanent home in the garden. Start by digging holes that are as deep as the root ball of the transplant, then space them about a foot apart. Feverfew is surprisingly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of soil types, from nutrient-rich to poor and sandy.

After planting, be sure to give your new transplants a good soaking to help them establish themselves in their new environment.

By Division

For those looking to propagate feverfew, one method is to divide mature plants during the spring or fall seasons. To do this, carefully dig a circle approximately one foot deep and slightly wider than the plant’s current spread. Once you’ve reached the root system, lift the entire plant from the ground using a shovel, taking care not to damage any of the roots or rhizomes.

Then, divide the crown into three to four sections, making sure each portion has a sufficient amount of taproot and branching rhizomes intact. Replant these divisions at a depth of about 18 inches apart, ensuring they’re at the same level as their previous growth. After replanting, be sure to provide ample water to help them establish themselves in their new environment.

How to Grow

For optimal growth, feverfew prefers full sun or partial shade, with well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral in pH (6.0-6.7). Sandy or loamy soils are ideal, allowing roots to stay moist throughout the year. Watering every few days is sufficient, unless rain intervenes, ensuring the soil remains consistently damp rather than soggy. Feverfew won’t thrive in dry conditions and requires regular moisture to flourish. In fertile soils, there’s no need for additional fertilization.

However, if your soil lacks nutrients, a light, balanced fertilizer application each spring can be beneficial. For instance, Down to Earth’s all-purpose organic fertilizer is a suitable option, available from Arbico Organics. Notably, this plant emits a strong citrus-like scent that repels bees, so avoid planting it near pollinator-dependent plants. Feverfew is self-pollinating and doesn’t rely on external pollinators for reproduction.

Growing Tips

To thrive, this plant requires a spot that receives full sun or partial shade. The ideal growing conditions include well-draining sand or loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.7. To maintain consistent moisture levels, water the plant twice a week unless it’s raining. If you’re planting in poor soil, consider applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring to give it an extra boost.

Pruning and Maintenance

Feverfew has a tendency to reseed prolifically, which can sometimes be considered invasive. As such, it’s essential to keep an eye out for emerging volunteer seedlings and remove them as needed to maintain control. To encourage continued blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding, make sure to deadhead spent blossoms regularly. You can also cut still-vibrant flowers for arrangements or other purposes, which will not only keep the plant producing blooms but also help regulate its growth.

Additionally, consider cutting back leggy stems to maintain a more compact shape. When doing so, be mindful of the amount you remove at once – never take off more than a third of the plant’s foliage in one go. In regions where feverfew grows as a perennial, it’s a good idea to cut the foliage down to ground level come fall and apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots during harsh winters.

Cultivars to Select

The feverfew plant (T. parthenium) is easily accessible for purchase at a local nursery or online retailer. For those interested in starting their own feverfew garden, packets of 100 seeds are available from reputable suppliers such as Earthbeat Seeds.

Double White

The ‘Double White’ variety boasts an impressive display of fully doubled, creamy white blooms, each adorned with a bright yellow center. Meanwhile, the plants themselves reach a mature height of 24 inches, making them a striking addition to any garden or arrangement.

White Bonnet

The ‘White Bonnet’ boasts a unique appearance, featuring frilly white petals that surround a bright yellow center. This lovely variety is perfect for adding charm to cottage gardens or showcasing its beauty in containers. Notably, it reaches maturity at an impressive 18 inches tall, making it a great choice for smaller spaces.

Managing Pests and Disease

Feverfew’s bright white and yellow blooms are generally free from disease, but it’s still crucial to monitor for any potential issues. Two common problems that may arise are aphids and slugs. To tackle aphid infestations, try blasting the plants with a strong jet of water from your hose or create a homemade insecticidal soap by mixing one tablespoon of pure liquid soap, two teaspoons of cooking oil, and a quart of water.

Apply this solution to affected foliage as soon as you notice any signs of aphids. Slugs can also cause holes in leaves, accompanied by wilted foliage and a slimy residue. Simply remove them by hand at dusk or after rain, or use diatomaceous earth or coffee grounds around the base of plants to deter them. Another concern is aster yellows disease, which has no cure aside from prevention.

To prevent this bacterial disease from spreading, utilize diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soap to kill the responsible insects. Infected plants should be promptly removed and discarded. Lastly, feverfew may develop powdery mildew if planted in a shaded area; however, selecting a location that receives full sun can easily avoid this issue.

Harvesting

When it comes to harvesting feverfew, timing is everything. The leaves can be collected at any point during the growing season, while flowers should be picked as soon as they start blooming. Notably, the essential oils within the plant are most concentrated just as flowering begins. For optimal results, pluck flowers in mid-morning once the dew has evaporated. When harvesting leaves, it’s crucial to only take a third of the plant at a time to ensure its continued health and productivity.

Additionally, feverfew seeds can be harvested for future plantings. Once the plant has finished flowering and seed heads have dried, cut the stems and hang them upside down in a paper bag for several days in a dark, dry environment. For more information on harvesting feverfew, refer to our comprehensive guide.

Preserving

When working with feverfew, you can use the fresh flowers in tea or dry them for future use. Drying is a simple process that requires minimal equipment. If you have a dehydrator, you can set it to a low temperature and let the leaves and flowers dry slowly. Alternatively, you can bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry location for several days.

Once the plant material is dry, remove it from the stems and store it in an airtight jar in a cupboard away from direct sunlight. For those interested in creating a tincture, you can use either fresh or dried feverfew leaves and flowers. To make a tincture, simply place the plant material in a jar filled with alcohol and let it infuse for several weeks. Shake the jar daily to ensure even extraction. After about six weeks, strain out the plant material and your tincture is ready to use.

Feverfew tincture has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for headaches. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal products, especially if you’re considering using them to treat a medical condition.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

The plant is a short-lived perennial herb that struggles in poor soil conditions. Its native habitat is Southeastern Europe, where it thrives in well-draining soil with moderate water needs. In terms of hardiness, this plant can tolerate USDA zones 5-10 and requires minimal maintenance. The growing season for this plant is summer, during which it prefers full sun exposure on sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0.

Seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch, while seedlings can be spaced 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth. In terms of companion planting, this herb pairs well with mint and vegetables. However, it’s best avoided when planting alongside plants that require bee pollination, as the plant itself is not self-pollinating. At maturity, the plant typically reaches a height of 8-24 inches and spreads about the same distance.

The Tanacetum genus to which this plant belongs includes species such as Parthenium, which can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, aster yellows, and powdery mildew.

Cures a Headache and a Dreary Garden

When it comes to adding a pop of color and charm to your outdoor space, feverfew is an excellent choice. This cheerful flower not only attracts pollinators, but also provides a beautiful display of white blooms with purple centers. However, when planting feverfew, keep in mind its natural bee-repelling properties, as you don’t want to inadvertently deter neighboring plants’ pollinators.

If you’ve had experience growing this plant or are considering it for your garden, we’d love to hear about it in the comments section below. For more gardening tips and guides on cultivating other beautiful and medicinal flowering herbs, check out our related articles. As with any new addition to your landscape, be sure to properly care for your feverfew to ensure it thrives.