Tansy in Zone 7A — Mid-Atlantic

Tansy is a fantastic addition to any Mid-Atlantic garden. It isn't for the kitchen, but it's great for natural pest control. Plus, it's a beautiful, old-fashioned plant that adds a touch of charm to your property.

Our four seasons and humid summers can present challenges, but Tansy is a tough plant. With a 208-day growing season, you'll have plenty of time to get it established and thriving.

Starting Tansy indoors is possible, but honestly, it's usually not necessary in our Zone 7A climate. If you're itching to get a jump start, though, starting seeds indoors from early to late February gives you a head start.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm and provide plenty of light – a simple grow light setup works wonders. Bottom watering will help prevent damping off.

Transplanting Tansy outdoors works well in our region. Aim to transplant from late March through mid April.

Before you plant, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to the outdoors for about a week. This helps them adjust to the elements. Space them 12-18 inches apart in your garden. Keep an eye on the weather; we can still get some unexpected cold snaps that time of year.

Direct sowing Tansy is a breeze. You can sow seeds directly into your garden beds from late March through early August.

Make sure your soil is well-drained and the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil and keep them moist until they germinate. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart.

Tansy is very drought-tolerant, which is great for our sometimes unpredictable Mid-Atlantic summers. Once established, it thrives on neglect. Overwatering is a much bigger problem than underwatering with this plant.

During the spring, when rainfall is generally consistent, you likely won't need to water at all unless we're experiencing a dry spell. In the heat of summer, check the soil before watering. Stick your finger about two inches deep; if it's dry, give your Tansy a good soak, aiming for about an inch of water per week, depending on rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid creating a humid environment around the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Signs of underwatering include wilting or drooping leaves. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and potentially root rot. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which is always a plus.

Pruning Tansy is simple. Deadhead the spent flowers to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.

Throughout the growing season, from early June through late summer, remove any dead or damaged foliage. As fall approaches and we get closer to our first frost around late October, cut the plant back to the ground. This helps it overwinter and encourages fresh growth in the spring.

You can expect your first harvest of Tansy from early June through early November. Tansy isn't for eating; it's harvested for its insect-repelling properties.

Harvest when the button-like yellow flowers are in full bloom, typically in midsummer. Simply cut the stems near the base of the plant. You can hang the cuttings upside down to dry for later use. Continued harvesting throughout the season will encourage more growth and a bushier plant. As the first frost approaches in late October, harvest any remaining foliage before it's damaged by the cold.

Here are a couple of common problems you might encounter with Tansy in the Mid-Atlantic:

Invasive Tendencies

• What it looks like: Tansy spreads rapidly, popping up in unwanted areas of your garden.
• What causes it: Tansy is a vigorous self-seeder. In our climate, with consistent rainfall and moderate summer heat, seeds germinate readily.
• How to fix/prevent it: Deadhead flowers regularly to prevent seed formation. Consider planting Tansy in a contained area or using barriers to prevent its spread.

Aphids

• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects on stems and undersides of leaves. You might also notice a sticky "honeydew" residue or curled, distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm weather. Our humid summers can create ideal conditions for aphid infestations.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong spray of water can knock aphids off plants. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this attracts aphids.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers, combined with high humidity and even rainfall, mean you need to be vigilant about containing its spread. The humidity can also exacerbate aphid problems, so keep a close eye on your plants.

Tansy is a mixed bag when it comes to companions. It's known for repelling certain pests, which can benefit some plants:

• Potato, Squash, Cucumber: Tansy repels potato beetles, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles, protecting these crops from damage.
• Raspberry: Tansy can deter certain raspberry pests, helping to ensure a good harvest.

Avoid planting Tansy near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) as it can attract cabbage moths.