How to Grow Feverfew
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Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
herbFeverfew is a bushy perennial herb with feathery green foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers. Traditionally used for centuries in folk medicine, it has a slightly bitter, citrusy flavor and is commonly brewed into tea or used fresh in cooking.
When should you plant Feverfew in your zone?
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Example Feverfew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Feverfew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Feverfew
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Feverfew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers temperate climates
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate with fine, feathery foliage beginning to develop
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Do not bury seeds.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with increasingly feathery, fern-like foliage. Bushy form is established with dark green leaves.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Water regularly. Begin feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches full height (12-24 inches) with dense foliage. Flower buds begin to form at stem tips.
Continue pinching if you want fuller plant form. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
4-8 weeksAbundant small white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers bloom in flat clusters; blooms continue for several weeks
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce fertilizer. Water during dry spells. Can harvest leaves or flowers.
Seed Production & Dormancy
Ongoing through fall/winterFlowers fade and form seed heads. Plant gradually slows growth as it prepares for dormancy (in fall) or continues as perennial
Allow some flowers to set seed if you want self-sowing or seed collection. Cut back in fall. Mulch for winter protection in colder zones.
Common Pests
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Spray with water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
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and
Remove by hand; use copper tape barriers; diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Migraine & Headache Relief
MedicinalFeverfew has been traditionally used to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Studies suggest its active compounds may help prevent migraines when taken regularly as a preventive measure. [source]
Anti-inflammatory Herbal Tea
MedicinalBrewed as a tea, feverfew leaves contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and fever. It has been used traditionally for arthritis and joint pain management. [source]
Bitter Culinary Herb
CulinaryFresh or dried feverfew leaves can be used as a bitter culinary herb in small quantities to flavor teas, salads, and herbal blends. The flavor is slightly citrusy and peppery with a pleasant bitterness. [source]
Natural Insect Repellent
HouseholdThe plant's natural compounds help repel certain insects and pests from gardens. Dried feverfew can be placed in homes as a natural deterrent to flies and other common household insects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season, making feverfew valuable in pollinator gardens and ecosystem support. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves anytime after plant is established, preferably in the morning after dew dries. Pinch off individual leaves or cut stems. For medicinal use, harvest flowers when fully open. Cut back plant by 1/3 in mid-summer to encourage new growth and more flowers. Leaves are most potent just before flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Feverfew has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Greece where it was used to treat fevers, hence its common name 'fever few.'
- 🌱 The plant self-seeds prolifically and can naturalize in gardens, sometimes to the point of being considered invasive in some regions if not managed.
- 🌱 Feverfew was so valued historically that it was one of the first herbs to be brought by European settlers to North America.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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