Feverfew is not only easy to care for, it is also easy to plant. You don't have to pay much attention to this.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), also known as false chamomile, ornamental chamomile and feverfew, is in itself a fairly undemanding plant. It is native to Europe and is therefore used to the local climate conditions. The herb even grows wild in many gardens. However, feverfew is a bit demanding when it comes to the right location. Because the perennials only thrive in the right location.
This is what the perfect spot for Feverfew looks like
With its chamomile-like flowers, feverfew doesn't necessarily need all-day sunlight. Whether in the hobby garden, on the balcony in a window box, in a flower pot or in a bucket, as long as you consider the following aspects when choosing a location, you can plant feverfew in a variety of ways:
- a location in full or partial sun that is sufficiently bright is ideal
- but the feverfew is also satisfied with a partially shaded location
- Three or more hours of sunshine a day is ideal
What are the soil requirements of feverfew?
Especially if it is a loose and nutrient-rich substrate, this is ideal for feverfew. Feverfew appreciates the following properties:
- humos
- sandy-loamy
- mineral
- also calcareous
Most garden soils are therefore well suited for planting feverfew. However, it is important that the soil is sufficiently permeable, otherwise waterlogging can cause severe damage to feverfew. If you want to plant the plant in an extremely compacted, loamy soil, you must therefore create drainage when planting.
When keeping feverfew in a bucket or in a balcony box, conventional plant substrate, which is commercially available for flowers, is completely sufficient. With the help of this substrate, feverfew will thrive and do well in flower bedsespecially between rosebushes very well. It goes perfectly with the style of cottage gardens as well as perennial and wild gardens.
When is the best time to plant?
If you don't actively prevent the feverfew by cutting back the flowers in good time, the plant tends to self-seed. The propagation on your own usually works without problems. Otherwise, spring is the ideal time to plant feverfew. You can also plant feverfew outdoors all year round, as long as there is no frost at the moment. You can use pre-grown potted plants or seeds. The seeds are best grown in the period from March to May, in the house/apartment or in a cold frame.
How to properly sow feverfew
If you sow the feverfew yourself and don't want to resort to plants from the pot, you should definitely follow the instructions below so that this project is crowned with success in the end:
- Fill a seed tray with special growing substrate and moisten it.
- To distribute the seeds evenly, it is best to mix them with sand.
- Just sprinkle the seeds on, as the herb needs light to germinate.
- Cover the seed tray with foil or glass and place in a bright place.
- Air the bowl regularly and keep the seed sufficiently moist.
- Plant the feverfew young plants outdoors after approx. 5 weeks.
It takes about ten to 20 days for feverfew seeds to germinate. Ambient temperatures of 15 to 22 degrees Celsius are ideal during this time. When transplanting outdoors, you should then keep a planting distance of 30 centimeters on both sides. This allows the herb to spread sufficiently later.