🌼 Feverfew 🌼
🌿 Tanacetum parthenium 🌿
🤕 Traditional use for headaches & fever relief. 🤕
🐝 Attracts beneficial pollinators! 🦋
☀️ Prefers full sun. ☀️
💧 Water regularly. 💧
✂️ Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. ✂️
Enjoy your lovely Feverfew! 😊
Planting Feverfew plugs is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get them established:
1. Timing is Key:
* Spring or Fall: The best times to plant Feverfew plugs are in the spring after the last frost or in the fall, at least a few weeks before the first expected frost. This allows the roots to establish before extreme temperatures set in.
* Consider your climate: In warmer zones, fall planting might be preferable as it avoids the heat of summer. In cooler zones, spring planting gives the plants the entire growing season to get settled.
2. Choose the Right Location:
* Full Sun: Feverfew thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun generally leads to more abundant flowering and stronger stems.
* Well-Drained Soil: The soil should be well-draining. Feverfew doesn't like to sit in soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
* Space to Grow: Give each Feverfew plant about 12 inches of space to spread out. They can become bushy.
3. Prepare the Soil:
* Loosen the Soil: Use a trowel or small shovel to loosen the soil in the planting area. Dig a hole that is slightly wider and just as deep as the plug's root ball.
* Amend if Necessary: If your soil is poor, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. A balanced granular fertilizer can also be added at this stage according to the product instructions.
4. Planting the Plugs:
* Gently Remove the Plug: Carefully remove the Feverfew plug from its container. Try to keep the root ball intact. You might gently squeeze the bottom of the container to help ease it out.
* Position the Plug: Place the plug in the center of the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Avoid planting too deeply.
* Fill the Hole: Gently backfill the hole with the soil you removed, firming it lightly around the base of the plant. Avoid compacting the soil too much.
5. Water Thoroughly:
* Initial Watering: After planting, water the plugs thoroughly. This helps settle the soil around the roots and provides the necessary moisture for establishment.
6. Mulch (Optional):
* Apply a Layer: You can apply a thin layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants. This helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant stems to prevent rot.
7. Ongoing Care:
* Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, until the plants are well-established. Once established, Feverfew is relatively drought-tolerant but will appreciate consistent moisture. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
* Deadheading: To encourage more blooms and prevent excessive self-seeding, deadhead (remove) spent flowers regularly.
* Fertilizing: Generally, Feverfew doesn't require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial, especially in poor soils.
* Support (If Needed): In windy locations or if you are growing taller varieties for cut flowers, you might need to provide some support, such as netting or stakes.
By following these steps, your Feverfew plugs should settle in nicely and reward you with their charming blooms! Happy planting! 😊