Feverfew 'Snowball'

Feverfew – Snowball (Tanacetum parthenium, formerly Chrysanthemum parthenium)

Soft orbs of ivory drift aloft on branching stems—Tanacetum parthenium “Snowball” transforms the garden into a drifting sea of white. Its dense, globe-shaped button blooms unfurl from golden centres, carpeting the foliage in bright contrast. Standing 28–36 in ( 70–90 cm), its bushy, upright habit brings structure and airiness to borders, cottage gardens, and cutting plots.

Reliable and generous, Snowball is a florist’s favourite for its sprays of countless blooms and strong stems that last in the vase. In full sun and moderate moisture, it rewards gardens with summer-long interest. Use it as underlayer filler: pair with lavender salvia for a soft contrast, or plant beside dusty miller to enhance its pure white silhouette. Its scented leaves whisper of heritage gardens past, while the blooms feel fresh and contemporary.

Details:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Tender Perennial - Zones 5-9
 
SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Surface - Lightly press into soil

GERMINATION: 10-14 days at 21°C 

HEIGHT: 28 - 36"

MATURITY: 100 - 110 Days

SPACING: 8-12"

PINCH: Yes

How to Grow:

Transplant (recommended):
Sow indoors 5–7 weeks before transplanting out in spring or fall. Press seeds gently into the surface of the soil—do not cover, as light aids germination. Bottom water or mist to avoid displacing seeds. Transplant into cell packs or 3–4" pots 2–4 weeks after sowing. Harden off before planting outdoors.

• Fall Planting: For the longest stems and earliest blooms, transplant 3–4 weeks before first frost. Overwinter young plants in a high tunnel for spring harvests up to 48" tall.

• Spring Planting: Treat as an annual for optimal flower and stem quality. Early spring planting under row cover or in tunnels will yield abundant blooms.

Direct seed:
Sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked. Press seeds into soil surface without covering. Keep moist until germination. Thin seedlings once true leaves appear.

Pinching: Pinching the central stem of young plants when they are about 6–8 inches tall will encourage branching and more stems. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the blooming season and prevent heavy self-seeding.

Soil Preference and Watering: Feverfew thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and does not perform well in overly wet conditions.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for Feverfew. It performs best in average to lean soil.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are about halfway open. Harvesting at this stage ensures a long vase life.