Feverfew, Medicinal (Organic)
Tanacetum parthenium. 60-70 days. Perennial in zones 5-10.
This short lived perennial medicinal herb produces shrubby plants that grow to 3’ with small, non-double white flowers with a yellow center. Plants are highly fragrant with bitter aromatics that are not universally appreciated and in fact repel some insects. For this reason, it is sometimes planted as a deterrent. As a cut flower this variety has more intense fragrance and less dense flower clusters than improved versions, such as White Wonder Feverfew. Leaves have been used medicinally for centuries in treating fevers, migraines, arthritis, stomach aches, and more. The US National Institutes of Health even acknowledges its “multifarious therapeutic uses,” including anticancer activity.
Needs light to germinate; surface sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after danger of frost has passed. Transplant or thin starts to 12″ centers. Germinates in 10 to 14 days at 70˚F. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. Will self-sow, deadhead to prevent self seeding.
Seed Saving
Collect seeds from flower heads that are fully dry. Thresh by hand, winnow and screen to clean. Some cross-pollination may occur, isolate from other varieties of the same species by 1/4 mile.
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