Feverfew: What the Plant Is, Growing from Seed and Care

In brief: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a perennial aromatic herb of the daisy family with white daisy-like flowers with a yellow centre. It grows roughly 30–60 cm tall, thrives best in sun and well-drained soil and self-seeds easily. The seeds are only pressed lightly in when sowing.

To the question "what plant is this" about feverfew, the answer is simple: a small daisy with aromatic toothed leaves, which in the garden forms dense, densely leaved clumps and flowers abundantly from summer. In older gardens it occurs as an ancient herb and readily escapes into the wild.

Today it is grown mainly for its flowers and scent, often in herb or natural beds. It is undemanding and goes well with other meadow flowers. In this article you will find the growing procedure and warnings to bear in mind.

What feverfew looks like

Feverfew tends to be short-lived, but thanks to self-seeding it renews itself in the bed. After flowering it forms tiny seeds, which germinate easily in the surroundings.

Position and soil

It thrives best in sun or light partial shade. The soil should be well-drained, rather average. Soil that is too rich and damp leads to tall and flopping plants and to fungal diseases. It is suitable for a herb bed, path edges, window boxes and natural meadow mixes.

Sowing from seed

Feverfew is propagated from seeds. The seeds are tiny and need light to germinate, so they are not covered, just pressed lightly onto the surface of the substrate.

1. In spring prepare a tray with well-drained seed substrate and moisten the surface.
2. Scatter the seeds on the surface and press them in lightly.
3. Cover the tray with clear sheeting and place it in a bright spot.
4. After germination, thin out the seedlings or prick them out into small pots.
5. After hardening off and after the last frosts, plant them in the bed at a spacing of about 25–30 cm.

Care during the year

Water mainly after planting and during long drought; mature plants tolerate dry spells. Feeding is not needed; on the contrary, over-feeding is harmful. After flowering cut off the spent flower heads; the plant then often flowers again. If you want to prevent excessive self-seeding, cut off the flower heads before the seeds ripen. Conversely, if you want to keep the plant going, leave a few flowers to ripen.

Propagation and rejuvenation

Besides seeds, older plants can be propagated by dividing clumps in spring. Feverfew, however, renews itself best by self-seeding; transplant young plants from the surroundings to where you want them. Old clumps thin out after several years, so occasionally replace them with new ones.

Feverfew in a container and on a patio

Feverfew also feels good in a window box or in a pot about 20–25 cm in diameter with holes in the bottom and well-drained substrate. In a container water it more often than in a bed, but do not let water stand in the saucer. Leave out feeding or limit it to weak doses during growth. Containers with feverfew go well with other herbs, for example thyme, sage or savory, which have similar requirements for sun and drainage.

Care plan through the year

Collecting and storing seeds

If you want your own seeds, leave several flower heads to ripen. The seeds are tiny and ripen at the end of summer. Cut the flower heads on a dry day, put them in a paper bag and let them dry further. Shake out the seeds, sort them and store them in a paper bag or a glass jar in a dry and cool place. Label the species and the collection date. Sow the seeds preferably the following spring; old seeds germinate worse.

Transplant preferably in spring or early autumn, always with the root ball, and water well immediately after transplanting.

Diseases and pests

Feverfew is fairly resistant. In a position with a lack of air and in damp conditions it may suffer from powdery mildew or moulds, and young plants are nibbled by slugs. Prevention is a sunny spot, sufficient spacing and watering at the roots.

Good and bad neighbours

Feverfew tolerates the company of herbs with similar requirements well: thyme, sage, savory, lavender and ornamental grasses. In a herb bed do not add lush species to it that would shade it, for example mint or tall nettle-like plants. In beds with vegetables, rather plant it at the edge, where it will not be in the way and where self-seeding will not spread into the vegetable rows. Thanks to its flowers it also attracts pollinators, which the surrounding fruit trees will appreciate.

Safety warnings

• Feverfew belongs to the daisy family; more sensitive people may react allergically on contact, especially if they are allergic to daisies, chamomile or leopard's bane.
• In pregnancy, consult a doctor about the use of plants.
• Do not give home preparations to children and do not use them without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. This article focuses on garden growing, not on treatment.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

How to use feverfew in the garden

Thanks to its white flowers and regular shape it suits bed edges, herb spirals and containers on a patio. It combines well with blue flowers, for example scabious, sage or bellflowers. The flowers can be used in dried arrangements. The article Don't be a dunce, get the right flower pot will help with choosing a container.

Most common mistakes

• Soil that is too rich and damp. The plants flop and rot.
• Covering the seeds. Seeds that need light do not come up.
• Shade. Weak flowers and legginess.
• Late cutting off of flower heads. Unwanted self-seeding over the whole bed.

Frequently asked questions

What is feverfew?

An aromatic perennial herb of the daisy family with white daisy-like flowers, otherwise called feverfew daisy.

How should feverfew be sown?

In spring on the surface of the substrate; do not cover the seeds. After hardening off, plant out after the frosts.

When does feverfew flower?

In summer, roughly from June to September. After flowering, cut off the spent flower heads.

Does it self-seed?

Yes, easily. If you want to limit its spread, cut off the flowers before the seeds ripen.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

Consult a doctor about the use of plants for health. Garden growing is risk-free; contact with the plant may cause a reaction in people with allergies.

Sources

• Feverfew – Wikipedia
• Daisy family – Wikipedia

Updated: 5 October 2026