Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) is a flowering herb that is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Tansy is a versatile but invasive plant that produces pretty yellow flowers, repels insects, has a range of medicinal purposes and is an excellent green manure.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Tanacetum vulgare is also called Bitter Buttons, Cow Bitter or Golden Buttons while the botanical name is derived from Greek language and translates to Common Immortal.
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Growth
Tanacetum vulgare is an upright perennial plant that grows to a maximum height of 150cm (5 feet) by a width of up to 60cm (24 inches). Tansy is an easy plant to grow and is tolerant of drought, frost and poor soils. It can become invasive if not contained and is often grown in pots or restricted in garden beds.
The button-like yellow flowers bloom in clusters throughout Summer and produce a scent that is similar to camphor. When grown from seed Tansy can start to produce flowers within 90-100 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 150cm (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
90-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
80-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 8000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 10 years.
FACTS ABOUT TANACETUM VULGARE (Tansy)
Tansy may have been first cultivated and used as a medicinal herb by Ancient Greeks as they possess the first historical records. It was grown in the garden of the First Holy Emperor of Rome, Charlemagne during the 8th century. During the 16th century is was considered a necessary for an English garden. Throughout the 19th century Tansy was used in baths by the Irish in combination with salts to treat joint pain.
Tansy has been used as an insect repellent, a face wash, an embalming ingredient and has been packed into coffins. One example is the first president of Harvard University, Henry Dunster. He was buried with a Tansy wreath and when the cemetery closed and his body was moved, it had been so well preserved that they could still identify him.
Tansy is one of the best companion plants and can repel a wide range of insects. It is often grown in commercial potato farms as one study showed that it repels up to 100% of all the Colorado Potato Beetles.
The famous whiskey maker Jack Daniel used to enjoy drinking his own whiskey with a little sugar and crushed Tansy leaf.
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