Feverfew — Grow Guide — Holly's Homestead

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Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate, regular

Soil pH

6.0–7.0

Spacing

30–45cm

Depth

0.5cm

01Persistent once settled

Feverfew's small, daisy-like white flowers have a long history of traditional use, and the bitter-scented foliage is a distinctive feature — some gardeners grow it near doorways for exactly that reason. It self-seeds readily enough to become a permanent fixture once established.

02Planting

Method

Direct sow, or transplant seedlings once frost risk has passed.

Soil

Average, well-drained soil; not fussy.

Timing

Sow in spring or autumn — cool weather suits it best.

Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.

03Growing care

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep new blooms coming.
Water at the base, avoiding wet foliage.
No feeding needed — it flowers well in average soil.
Let a few flowers go to seed for self-sowing, since plants are often short-lived.

04Problems

Powdery mildew — humid conditions; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
Aphids — cluster on new growth; hose off.
Very few other pests — a hardy, easy-going plant.
Short-lived plants — normal after 2–3 years; let self-sown seedlings take over.

05Harvest & storage

Signs

Flowers are ready once fully open, usually from 8–10 weeks after sowing.

Method

Snip whole flower heads at the base of the bloom.

Curing

Air-dry on a tray out of direct sun for long-term storage.

Storage

Fresh in water a few days; dried flowers keep for months in an airtight jar.

Preserving

See Dehydrating for ways to keep a harvest surplus.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby

TomatoBrassicasMost vegetables

Avoid nearby

Few restrictions

Rotation note

Not applicable — short-lived perennial, useful as a pollinator-attracting border plant.

Feverfew is an easy plant to grow, needing full sun to part shade with moderate, regular watering.