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Feverfew Growing Guide

What is Feverfew?

Feverfew is a perennial plant with small, daisy-like flowers that are cultivated in flower gardens throughout Europe and the US. It is known to repel moths, flies, ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and more insects! Tanacetum parthenium. Feverfew flowers from June through August and requires full or partial sun. Feverfew was historically used to treat a variety of conditions such as headaches, arthritis, and fever. Parthenolide, the active ingredient in the feverfew plant, is actively being developed for pharmaceutical application. It is native to central and southern Europe, and it tends to grow well in most parts of the United States. Feverfew has a citrusy, slightly bitter aroma.

How to Start Growing Feverfew

Plant in early spring after the last frost in Spring. Keep seed in constant moisture with temperatures of at least 65°F. Seeds must be covered thinly. Do not cover very small seeds, but tightly press into the earth. Keep in partial to full sun. Keep out of danger of high winds. Since feverfew prefers warmer temperatures and full sun, it may require watering multiple times a week so that the roots can receive enough moisture. Seeds are best sown in the spring after all frosting has passed, as feverfew is not very cold hardy and prefers warmer temperatures. Feverfew will bloom significantly more in its second year than its first.

Did You Know?

The name feverfew originates from Latin word “febrifugia”, which means “fever reducer”. Feverfew is also known as wild chamomile because of its small, yellow-white flowers.

Out Favorite Feverfew to Grow

Feverfew Plant Spacing

In-Ground Planting

Row Spacing - 12 to 18 inches

Plant Spacing - 8 to 10 inches

Planting Depth - 1/4 inch

Raised Bed Planting

Row Spacing - 12 to 18 inches

Plant Spacing - 8 to 10 inches

Planting Depth - 1/4 inch

Feverfew Soil, Irrigation, & Fertilizer

Soil Requirements to Grow Feverfew

  • Loose, well-draining soil
  • pH between 6.0 and 7.0
  • Rich in organic materials
  • Good quality compost added to the soil

Feverfew Irrigation Requirements

Feverfew plants need at least 1 inch of water per week. Using drip irrigation is always recommended to be sure that your plants are getting moisture directly to their root system. If you’re using conventional overhead watering techniques, try and use something like the Dramm Watering Can and water and fertilize at the base of the plant to keep moisture off the leaves. 

Raised Bed Fertilizer Schedule

Several Weeks Before Planting

Test your soil at your local extension office.

At Time of Planting

After adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 7.0, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row or ¼ cup per plant of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.

2 Weeks After Planting

1 cup Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement with 5 gallons of water. Each plant gets 1 quart of the solution next to the plant stem. Repeat every 4 weeks.

4 Weeks After Planting and Every 4 Weeks

1/4 cup of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per plant evenly spread around plant.

In-Ground Fertilizer Schedule

Several Weeks Before Planting

Test your soil at your local extension office.

At Time of Planting

After adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 7.0, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row or ¼ cup per plant of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.

2 Weeks After Planting

1 cup Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement with 5 gallons of water. Each plant gets 1 quart of the solution next to the plant stem. Repeat every 4 weeks.

4 Weeks After Planting and Every 4 Weeks

1/4 cup of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per plant evenly spread around plant.

Feverfew Pest & Disease Protection

Insects

Organic Controls

Horticulture Oil
Aphids, Flea Beetle, Whiteflies, Spider Mites, Thrips

Bug Buster-O
Aphids, Flea Beetles, Whiteflies, Moths, Armyworms

Monterey BT
Caterpillars, Cabbage Loppers

Take Down Garden Spray
Aphids, Flea Beetle, Whiteflies, Moths

Diatomaceous Earth
Cutworms, Ants, Slugs

Sluggo Plus
Slugs

Treat as needed using label instructions.

Common Diseases

Organic Controls

Complete Disease Control
Gray Mold, Leaf Spots, Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew

Treat as needed using label instructions.

Harvesting, Preserving, and Storing Feverfew

When & How To Harvest Feverfew

Feverfew should be harvested in the second year by swathing the leaves and flowers while in full bloom (mid July). We recommend leaving four inches for regrowth to allow a second cut later in the season. Leaves can be harvested any time during the season, and flowers can be harvested as soon as they start blooming. The essential oils in the plant are highest just as flowering is beginning. Feverfew should be dried on screens out of direct sunlight for 10 – 14 days.

Storing & Keeping Feverfew

Keep dried leaves and heads of flowers in glass containers or burlap bag in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.You can make a tincture of the fresh or dried leaves and flowers by infusing them in a jar of alcohol. Store the jar in a dark location for several weeks, shaking it daily. After about six weeks, you can strain out the plant material.

Check Out Our Feverfew!

Feverfew Growing Tips & Tricks

Mulching

Feverfews are sensitive to extreme cold and need special care in winter time. Mulching helps to protect the plant from severe cold in winters. Mulching also helps in summers in conserving moisture.

Over-Grower

Feverfew reseeds quite liberally and can invade your other beds, so watch for unwanted seedlings, keep a distance from other beds and out of winds, and deadhead your plants regularly.

Hated by the Bees

Feverfew does not tend to be pollinator-friendly, especially to bees. We recommend to keep feverfew planted away from the plants that need pollination (like vegetables and fruit trees) and closer to plants that could benefit from a natural pest-repellant, like rose bushes, or near porches to repel mosquitos.

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