How to Grow White Feverfew
White Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
herbWhite Feverfew is a delicate perennial herb featuring finely divided, aromatic foliage and clusters of small daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers. Historically used in traditional medicine for headaches and fevers, it self-seeds readily and serves as both a medicinal and ornamental garden plant. The plant typically grows 12-24 inches tall and attracts beneficial insects while repelling certain garden pests.
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Example White Feverfew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White 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 White Feverfew
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, tolerates zones 3-9 with proper care
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Get my White Feverfew timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible; requires consistent moisture and light exposure.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; ensure bright light (indoors under grow lights or outdoors in bright shade). Do not cover seeds with soil.
Seedling & Establishment
3-4 weeksFirst true leaves appear; seedlings develop feathery foliage characteristic of feverfew.
Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart; maintain consistent moisture; provide bright light; transplant to individual pots when 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy growth with increasingly finely divided, aromatic leaves; no flowering yet.
Space plants 12 inches apart; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth; water moderately; apply mulch around base to retain moisture.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (often May through August)Clusters of small white flowers with yellow disk centers bloom prolifically on branching stems.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; harvest flowers for medicinal use; allow some flowers to set seed if self-seeding is desired.
Seed Production & Dormancy
4-8 weeks through season endFlowers fade and develop tiny seed heads; foliage may decline in late summer heat or enter dormancy in fall/winter.
Allow some seed heads to mature and dry on plant for self-seeding or collect seeds; reduce watering as plant slows; cut back dead foliage in fall or early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil or miticide if severe.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps.
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Remove affected leaves; apply spinosad or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Migraine & Fever Relief
MedicinalFeverfew has been traditionally used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and fevers. Modern research suggests the compound parthenolide may help reduce inflammatory responses in the body. [source]
Herbal Tea
CulinaryFresh or dried feverfew leaves and flowers make a mildly bitter, aromatic tea. Some gardeners use small amounts as a culinary garnish or ingredient in herb blends. [source]
Natural Insect Repellent
HouseholdThe plant's aromatic compounds repel mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Feverfew is often grown near doorways and windows to naturally deter pests. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Attractant
WildlifeSmall white flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. It serves as a nectar source throughout the growing season. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe delicate white flowers dry well and hold their color and form, making them suitable for dried bouquets, wreaths, and craft projects. [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 and flowers throughout the growing season once the plant is well-established (after 6-8 weeks). Pinch off flower clusters when fully open but before they fade. For medicinal tea, harvest in early morning after dew dries. Dry flowers and leaves in a shaded, well-ventilated area. For maximum parthenolide content (active compound), harvest during peak flowering. Store dried material in airtight containers away from light.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Feverfew has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times, earning it the nickname 'Medieval aspirin.'
- 🌱 The plant is extremely prolific at self-seeding—a single feverfew plant can produce thousands of seeds, making it easy to propagate but requiring deadheading to prevent unwanted spread.
- 🌱 Feverfew's Latin species name 'parthenium' refers to the Greek goddess Artemis Parthenos (Virgin), as it was historically dedicated to her and used in her religious ceremonies.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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