How to Grow Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium · Zones Data not available

Feverfew is a perennial medicinal herb, long valued for its traditional uses. Notably, it stands up to deer and grows just as well in a container as in the ground. Its summer flowers are a moderate draw for honeybees and native bees.

Zones

Data not available

pH Range

5.5-8

Sun

Full Sun

Days to Maturity

90

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USDA PLANTS DatabaseUSDA PHZM 2023ASPCA

What Feverfew is

Feverfew grows as a perennial and reaches around two feet at maturity. It blooms white in summer. It's also deer-resistant and well suited to containers.

How to grow Feverfew

Feverfew is ready to harvest about 90 days after planting. Feverfew does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5.5 to 8, on well-drained ground. It needs around 800 growing degree days to mature, which is why climate matters as much as soil.

USDA Zones

Data not available

USDA PHZM 2023

Soil pH

5.5 - 8

USDA PLANTS Database

Sun

Full Sun

plant_species_v5.csv

Drainage

well (dry spells)

plant_species_v5.csv

Days to Maturity

90 days

plant_species_v5.csv

GDD Required

800+

plant_species_v5.csv

Mature Height

2 ft

plant_species_v5.csv

Frost-Free Days

0+

plant_species_v5.csv

  1. Start the season right

    Plant feverfew in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.

  2. Match the soil

    Feverfew prefers pH 5.5 to 8 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.

  3. Water steadily

    Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.

  4. Harvest at its peak

    Harvest the part you grow feverfew for — flower, leaf, or root — at its seasonal peak.

Good to know

One caution for pet owners — feverfew is toxic to dogs and cats (mild severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)

Feverfew offers moderate value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)

Where Feverfew thrives

Whether feverfew thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.

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See if Feverfew will thrive on your land

Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether feverfew actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.

Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:

Your soil pHYour frost-free daysYour sun & shade

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow Feverfew in my zone?

Zone data for feverfew is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.

How long does Feverfew take to grow?

Feverfew is ready to harvest about 90 days after planting (University Extension production guides). Your local frost dates and soil temperature move that window earlier or later.

When should you plant Feverfew?

Most growers plant feverfew after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.

How much sun does Feverfew need?

Feverfew needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.

What soil does Feverfew need?

Feverfew prefers soil pH 5.5 to 8, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.

Does Feverfew attract pollinators?

Yes — feverfew's flowers are a solid nectar source for honeybees and native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).

Is Feverfew safe for pets?

Feverfew is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with mild severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.