Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to eastern Europe but is naturalised worldwide. Feverfew is an ancient traditional medicine used to treat headaches, skin conditions, arthritis, colds and fevers. They also have pretty daisy-like flowers that attract lots of beneficial insects into the garden.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Tanacetum parthenium is also known as the common names Santa Maria, Altamisa, Bride’s Button, Bachelor’s Button, Featherfoil, Flirtwort, Midsummer Daisy and Matricaria. It also has botanical synonyms that include Chrysanthemum parthenium and Pyrethrum parthenium.
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Growth
Tanacetum parthenium is a flowering perennial shrub that grows to 70cm (28 inches) by 60cm (24 inches). Feverfew adapts to a wide range of soils, temperature conditions and is easy to grow and maintain.
Feverfew can become invasive and is often grown in containers or within garden beds to contain the spread. It is an ideal companion plant as they will attract the good insects and repel the bad guys.
Although Feverfew is commonly grown as an ornamental, it is highly prized for the leaves which can be harvested within 30-40 days and for their pretty flowers which are ready in 80-100 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 70cm (28 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
80-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 59-71°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 15000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT TANACETUM PARTHENIUM (Feverfew)
The earliest documented medicinal use of Feverfew was by Greek herbalist Dioscorides during the 1st century.
Feverfew gained recognition as medicinal herb from extensive research conducted during the 1970s. It has been used to treat headaches, migraines, rheumatism, bruises, wounds, arthritis, colds and of course to help reduce fevers as suggested by the name.
Chewing 1-4 leaves per day is said to help reduce headaches while an infusion included as part of a bath can assist with swollen feet. It is not recommended for pregnant women.
It is best to harvest in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day as this is when the essential oils in the plant are most concentrated.
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