Growing Feverfew from Seed: A Complete Guide to Cultivation and Uses

For centuries, feverfew has been valued in European gardens for both beauty and medicine. This resilient herb easily self-sows in various soils, from garden beds to rocky areas. Its white daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties, particularly for migraines, make it a valuable addition to herb gardens.

For centuries, feverfew has been treasured as both an ornamental and medicinal herb in European gardens. Growing feverfew from seed requires minimal effort. This resilient herb readily self-sows in gardens and naturalized areas. Its adaptability to various soils, from garden beds to rocky areas, makes it an excellent choice for both medicinal and ornamental gardens. Its white daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties, especially for migraines, make it a valuable addition to any herb garden.

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About Feverfew

The name ‘feverfew’ derives from the Latin ‘febrifugia,’ meaning ‘fever reducer.’ A member of the Aster/Daisy Family, it’s also known as Chrysanthemum parthenium, wild chamomile, and bachelor’s buttons.

Grow feverfew as a perennial in zones 5-10, where it thrives year after year. In colder regions, protect it with mulch over winter or grow as an annual, starting fresh plants each spring from seed or cuttings.

Feverfew grows into a compact, rounded plant reaching 1-3 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide. With its bushy growth habit and adaptable nature, it grows well in both garden beds and containers.

Feverfew displays small, daisy-like white flowers with bright yellow centers, each measuring about 1 inch across. The flowers grow in loose clusters atop sturdy stems, accompanied by aromatic, finely divided, chartreuse-green leaves. These blooms attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help control garden pests.

Feverfew flowers are edible but have a bitter taste. Both the leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried to make a traditional medicinal tea, though their strong flavor means they’re rarely used in cooking. The leaves have a distinct, aromatic scent similar to chrysanthemums.

Feverfew benefits the garden with both its medicinal properties and ornamental value. Its bright, cheerful flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent companion plant for vegetables and other flowers.

Feverfew Varieties

There are several cultivars of feverfew, each with distinct characteristics:

White Wonder features large, fully double white flowers and is widely used medicinally. It’s particularly valued for its high parthenolide content, making it effective for migraine prevention.

Golden Ball produces bright yellow pompom-like blooms and compact foliage. This variety is known for its concentrated essential oils and is often used in traditional medicine for inflammation.

Tetra White develops exceptionally large, pure white flowers with prominent centers. It’s prized for both ornamental and medicinal purposes, containing higher levels of active compounds than standard varieties.

Luna is a dwarf variety with pristine white flowers and dense, aromatic foliage. Its concentrated medicinal properties and compact growth make it ideal for container gardens and medicinal harvesting.

Historical and Traditional Uses

Feverfew’s documented use dates back to ancient Greece, where it was used to treat inflammatory conditions. Dioscorides prescribed it for “all hot inflammations.” By the Middle Ages, it had become a common remedy throughout Europe for headaches, arthritis, and fever. The herb gained renewed attention in the 1970s when a UK physician published his wife’s success using feverfew for severe migraines, leading to extensive modern research.

Growing Feverfew From Seed

Plant seeds directly outdoors after last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks earlier. Feverfew readily self-seeds and germinates easily in soil temperatures between 65-70°F.

Feverfew blooms within 6-8 weeks of planting and flowers continuously through summer. Plants grow 18-36 inches tall, producing masses of small daisy-like flowers.

Seeds can be collected from dried flower heads or purchased from herb nurseries. Feverfew prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they reach 2-3 inches tall.

Plants thrive in average soil with moderate moisture. Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and prevent aggressive self-seeding. Divide established plants every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Growing Feverfew Containers & Pots

Feverfew thrives in containers with adequate depth and drainage. Plant one feverfew per gallon-sized pot using quality potting soil. Position containers in full sun to partial shade and water regularly, checking soil moisture more frequently than garden-grown plants as containers dry out faster.

Young feverfew leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, ideally before the plant flowers. Collect leaves in the morning once dew has dried. Only wash if visibly dirty, as washing can reduce potency.

For flowers, harvest the fully opened blooms by cutting entire flower heads on sunny mornings. They can be used fresh or dried for future use.

Storage

Dry feverfew leaves and flowers quickly to preserve potency, then store in airtight containers away from light and heat. Use dried herbs within one year. Keep seeds in separate containers for next season’s planting.

Safety Notes

Important safety precautions for feverfew use:

Fresh plant can cause mouth ulcers and skin irritation. Those with daisy family allergies should avoid it. Not safe during pregnancy, nursing, or for children under 2. Can interact with blood thinners and increase sun sensitivity. If using regularly, taper off instead of stopping suddenly. Some experience digestive issues. Consult healthcare provider before use, especially if taking medications.

Growing feverfew from seed provides a sustainable way to access this valuable medicinal herb. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for both garden beds and containers, while its reliable reseeding ensures a continuous supply. The bright white flowers add cheerful beauty to herb gardens while providing powerful medicine for headaches and inflammation.