Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional herb known for its cheerful, daisy-like flowers and strong, pungent scent. This short-lived perennial, part of the Asteraceae family, has been cultivated for centuries, primarily for its use in traditional medicine to treat headaches and fevers, which is the source of its common name. It grows as a bushy, compact mound of light green, feathery foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental garden borders and containers.
Environmental Needs for Successful Growth
Feverfew thrives in conditions that mimic its natural, slightly rugged habitat. It favors a location that receives full sun for at least six hours daily, though it can tolerate partial afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Adequate sunlight promotes robust flowering and helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy. The herb is notably resilient and generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, behaving as a perennial in these areas, or sometimes as an annual in colder regions.
The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which is a common problem in soggy conditions. A sandy or loamy texture is ideal, but feverfew is adaptable and tolerates moderately poor soils. The preferred soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, specifically between 6.0 and 7.0. Once established, mature plants are drought tolerant, though consistent moisture is preferred for optimal performance and flower production.
Starting and Propagating Feverfew
Feverfew is readily started from seed, either indoors or by direct sowing outdoors. For an earlier bloom, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost; the tiny seeds require light, so surface-sow them and press gently onto the soil without covering. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 14 days when the soil temperature is maintained between 60°F and 70°F. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden, spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart to ensure sufficient air circulation. Propagation can also be achieved by dividing mature clumps in the spring or fall, or by taking cuttings.
Routine Care and Maintenance
Once established, feverfew is generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal supplemental feeding. If the soil is poor, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied early in the growing season, but avoid over-fertilization. Watering should be deep but infrequent; allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent saturated conditions. The most important maintenance task is consistent deadheading—removing spent flowers immediately to encourage more blooms and prevent aggressive self-seeding. Pruning the plant by cutting back stems promotes bushier growth and a second round of flowering; pests like aphids and powdery mildew are managed with good air circulation and appropriate organic controls.
Harvesting and Storage Methods
The optimal time to harvest feverfew for its active compounds is when the plant is in full bloom, typically around mid-summer, ensuring maximum potency. Leaves can be harvested throughout the season, but the combined leaves and flowers are generally collected together. When cutting the plant, use sharp, clean shears and take no more than one-third of the total growth at any one time to ensure the plant can recover. The harvested stems should be dried immediately to preserve quality, either by hanging small bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area, or by spreading the material thinly on drying screens. Once the material is completely dry and crumbly, strip the leaves and flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight container away from heat and light.