Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an ornamental, perennial herb, flowering plant. It grows up to 28 inches tall. It has pungently aromatic, ovate, pinnately lobed leaves and the leaves light yellowish green. Feverfew has daisy-like blooms that are up to 2 cm across, borne in lax corymbs, with white rays and yellow disk florets in summer. Feverfew is known to repel moths, cockroaches, flies, ants, and mosquitoes.

Scientific Name: Tanacetum parthenium
Synonyms: Chrysanthemum parthenium, Matricaria parthenium,
Pyrethrum parthenium.
Common Names: Bachelor’s buttons or Feverfew.

How to care and grow Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)?

Light:

It thrives best in full sun to partial shade.

Soil:

It grows well in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil but will grow in a wide range of soils.

Water:

Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but never allow your plant to sit in water. You can allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Fertilizer:

Apply a standard liquid plant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer growing season.

Pruning:

Prune directly down to the ground, it will grow back vigorously again.

Harvest:

Harvest the blossoms two times every year. Cut fresh leaves for use as required or dry and store in an airtight container.

Propagation:

It can be easily propagated by seeds or by cuttings or division. sow seeds directly on the ground in spring and cuttings are taken in the summer. Division in spring.

Pests and Diseases:

There is no serious pest or disease problems. They are susceptible to attacks by spider mites or aphids are an issue, treat with insecticidal soap.

Benefits of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium):

• Firstly, it is a traditional medicinal herb that is mainly used to prevent migraine headaches.
• Clinical trials have shown that taking 2 leaves of feverfew per day reduces headache assaults.
• The oil from the leaves can act as an insect repellent.
• Feverfew can be eaten as the fresh leaf, made into a green leaf tea, or dried for later use as a tea.