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tansy

tansy or Tanacetum vulgare

15% off
Perfect for pollinators
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Very cheerful, bright yellow, button-like flowers form in flattened clusters throughout the summer. The aromatic, feathery foliage acts as a natural insect repellent, and is said to repel many troublesome pests including wasps, flies, ants and some beetles. The flowers however are lovely by beneficial insects including bees and butterflies.

Tansy is often planted beside potatoes to keep the crop healthy. The leaves can be dried and used inside the house to help deter ants.

How to care for Tanacetum vulgare:

Once planted out, keep tansy well watered until established, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and remove any faded flower heads to encourage tidy growth and prolong flowering. Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser if the soil is poor, and cut back old stems in late autumn or early spring to promote fresh, vigorous shoots.

Sowing instructions:

For sowing under glass, start early sowings from February to April and late sowings from July to August. Direct sowing outside is best from May to June, once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Cover the seed very lightly as it needs only a thin layer of compost to germinate. Keep the compost moist but not soggy and give the seedlings plenty of light so they don’t stretch.

Pot them on once they’re big enough to handle and harden them off gradually before planting outside at about 30cm (12in) apart in late spring or early summer. You can also sow directly into a sunny, well-prepared bed once the soil has warmed, spacing seedlings as they grow so they have room to form sturdy clumps.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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