Is the 'magic' in the lush foliage that leafs out at the most perfect time for blending with spring cut flowers in a bouquet? Or is it the medicinal benefits of those leaves for those suffering from neuropathy, fever, migraines, arthritis, menstrual pain, or digestive issues? Or maybe it's the way you're surrounded by butterflies when you visit the patch to cut these tiny daisy-like blooms...but not other insects because feverfew can serve as a mild insect repellant.
Whatever the reason this cultivar was named 'Magic Single' we wholeheartedly agree, and have a 60-ft patch of it in the backyard! Easy to grow from seed, and will stick around as a perennial in Zones 4 through 9 if you feel like leaving it in place. (Otherwise, easy to remove and turn over for something new next year.)
BASIC FEATURES
Bloom Season: Spring, Early Summer, and then reblooms in Fall
Days to Flowering: 100 - 110 days initially, then perennial for Zone 5 - 9
Photoperiod Classification: Long-Day (For optimal blooming, feverfew needs around 14 hours of daylight or more, while appreciating shorter periods of daylight during its vegetative phase.)
Pinch: Not necessary.
Deadhead: Yes, to encourage rebloom and delay seed development
Staking: Not necessary, but may get top heavy after heavy rain without support
Height at Maturity: 28 - 36"
Recommended Spacing: 9"
STARTING SEEDS INDOORS
When to Sow: February - March
When to Harden Off: About 5 weeks after germination
When to Transplant to Garden: About 6 to 7 weeks after germination.
STARTING SEEDS OUTDOORS
When to Direct Sow Seeds in Garden: As soon as soil can be worked (typically mid- to late-February in our area)
FOR FLOWER ARRANGING
For maximum vase life (7 - 10 days): Only pick stems in the morning, and only if at least 3/4 of the flowers on the stem are open. Cut those stems at a 45-degree angle for maximum water uptake, and place them directly into fresh, lukewarm water with flower food, in a cool, draft-free area, out of direct sunlight. Trim away any wilted or browning leaves that develop, which can draw away moisture from the blossoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS TO YOUR GARDEN
Attracts and Supports: butterflies (several species), and bees (honeybees, bumblebees)
Ignored by: Deer, rabbits, birds, and most other insects and pollinators