Feverfew in Zone 4B — Great Plains

Feverfew is a great addition to a Great Plains garden. Its cheerful daisy-like flowers bring beauty to the landscape and attract beneficial insects. Plus, you can use it to make tea. It's a pretty low-maintenance plant once it's established.

Our extreme weather and short growing season here in Zone 4B can be a challenge, but Feverfew's relatively quick maturity (70 days) fits well within our roughly 149-day window. With a little planning, you can enjoy its blooms from mid-summer through fall.

Starting Feverfew indoors is an option, especially if you want a head start on the season. Begin late February through mid March, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant. This gives them a good start before the weather settles.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them consistently moist by bottom watering, and provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders. Keep in mind, though, that our spring weather is variable, so even if you start indoors, be ready to protect seedlings from late frosts.

Transplant your Feverfew seedlings outdoors late April through late May, after the danger of hard frost has passed. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Plains' wind and temperature swings.

Space them 12-15 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the forecast – a late cold snap can still happen, so be prepared to cover them if needed.

Direct sowing Feverfew is also a viable option, especially if you're looking for an easier approach. Sow seeds directly into the garden early May through early July. The soil should be workable and starting to warm up.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Scatter the seeds lightly over the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 12-15 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.

Once established, Feverfew is quite drought-tolerant, which is a blessing given our variable rainfall in the Plains. However, getting them established requires consistent watering. During the first few weeks after planting, water deeply every few days.

After that, water when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch – use the finger test. Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can help prevent fungal issues in our low-to-moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure your soil is well-draining. Mulching around the plants with straw or wood chips can help retain moisture in our hot summers and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Deadheading Feverfew is key to keeping it blooming throughout the season. Simply pinch or cut off the spent flowers just below the flower head. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seed production.

Cut the plant back after the main flush of flowering is over to tidy it up and encourage new growth. As the first frost approaches in early October, you can cut the plant back to the ground. It will likely regrow in the spring.

You can expect your first Feverfew harvest mid July through early October, about 70 days after planting. The best time to harvest is when the small, daisy-like flowers are in full bloom. These are the parts used for herbal remedies.

To harvest, simply cut the stems with flowers and leaves, leaving enough of the plant to continue growing. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

As the first frost approaches, harvest any remaining flowers and leaves. You can dry them for later use.

Here are some common issues you might run into with Feverfew in the Great Plains:

Self-seeds Prolifically

• What it looks like: Numerous Feverfew seedlings popping up everywhere in your garden the following year.
• What causes it: Feverfew readily drops its seeds, and they germinate easily in our fertile prairie soil.
• How to fix/prevent it: Deadhead regularly to prevent seed formation. If you allow some flowers to go to seed, be prepared to weed out unwanted seedlings.

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on stems and leaf undersides. Sticky honeydew residue. Curled or distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Rapid-reproducing sap-sucking insects. Populations explode in warm weather. Ant colonies may farm them for honeydew.
• How to fix/prevent it: Strong water spray knocks them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings (natural predators). Insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Neem oil works systemically. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer (it attracts them).

Leaf Miners

• What it looks like: Winding trails or blotches inside the leaves.
• What causes it: Larvae of small flies tunnel between the leaf surfaces, feeding on the tissue.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy infested leaves. Use row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers and variable rainfall can stress Feverfew, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Consistent monitoring and prompt action are key to keeping your plants healthy.

Feverfew makes a good companion plant for several garden favorites:

• Tomatoes: Feverfew can help repel some common tomato pests, like aphids.
• Roses: It's thought to deter certain rose pests, creating a healthier environment for your roses.
• Herbs: Many herbs thrive alongside Feverfew, creating a diverse and beneficial garden ecosystem.

Avoid planting Feverfew near plants that are highly susceptible to aphids, as it can sometimes attract them.