Feverfew ‘Tetra’ Matricaria

Description

Feverfew is believed to aid digestion, and lower blood pressure. There is some scientific evidence that drinking feverfew tea, or adding a few fresh leaves leaves to a sandwich everyday, can for some people, reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. From the Latin word ‘febrifugia’ meaning fever reducer – gaining its recognition as the aspirin of the 18th century! Containing a wide spectrum of phytochemicals it is being researched for its anti-arthritic, anticancer and anti-platelet properties.

Sow 5-10 weeks before transplanting in either spring or fall. Transplant out 3-4 weeks before first frost in fall. Gently press the seeds into growing medium, but do not cover as light aids germination. Harden off before transplanting. Kept at 65-70°F. (21°C), germination averages 10- 20 days.

Direct seed. As soon as soil can be worked. Gently press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover as light aids germination. Keep soil surface moist until germination. Thin when seedlings have the first true leaves. Thin seedlings to 9-12″ apart.

A long-day plant, flowering is generally initiated during the longest days of the season. Will eventually bloom under short-day conditions but on shorter stems.
Harvest when nearly all of the flowers in a spray are open. A few drops of bleach, or CVBN tab, can be added to the water. Expect a vase life of 7 days if preservative is used.

Light, well-drained, moist, fertile soil. 6.0-7.2 pH preferred. Excellent cut and dried flower.
Height: 28-36″, full sun, Days to maturity: 100-110 days, Pinch: not necessary, Tender or short-lived perennial in Zones 5-9, Open Pollinated