Tansy

What Tansy is

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial herb of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Try a pot in the kitchen (or sprigs in a vase) to keep flies away in summer!

The plant reaches 90 cm.

The plant's main action is anthelmintic, antiparasitic, disinfectant, carminative (relieving wind), toning the uterine muscles, strengthening the heart's activity, cholagogue, stimulating hair growth and removing dandruff.

It also acts as an antiseptic, painkiller and antispasmodic, but is used above all as an anthelmintic and antiparasitic remedy.

In small doses it is used for disorders of the digestive organs (loss of appetite, flatulence, constipation, stomach colic and bloody diarrhoea), and it calms the nervous system.

Tansy is a medicinal and insecticidal plant with yellow button-like flowers; it repels ants and moths.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 80%
• Seeds per packet: 1360–1840 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: July – September
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Tansy

Tansy seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower from July to September. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Tansy

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow feverfew seeds indoors in February. Can be sown directly from March to April in well-prepared soil. Sow on the surface of moist, well-drained seed compost and cover with a little soil. The ideal temperature is 18-21°C. Germination takes 5-21 days. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough, about 8 cm. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed, spaced 25 cm apart.

Undemanding.

Harvest and use

The flowering tops are dried.

Frequently asked questions

When should Tansy be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 1360–1840 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 80%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.