Guide to growing Painted Daisy Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum are hardy perennials that are frequently grown as hardy annuals in the garden.

They vary in height from 10 to 90cm; this makes them a versatile plant for use in borders or edging.

Pyrethrum blooms from the middle of spring to summer and carries flowers reminiscent of daisies; the petals may be red, purple, pink or white. Pyrethrum foliage is often fern-like.

Some common names for Pyrethrum genus members include Painted Daisy and Feverfew.

How to grow Painted Daisy

The seeds of Pyrethrum species such as Painted daisy and Feverfew can be sown out in early autumn or early spring; once sown lightly cover the painted daisy seeds. They like to grow in a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage, and a soil of pH 6 to 7.5. The Pyrethrum plants should be spaced from 20cm (small varieties) to 60cm (large Pyrethrum species) apart.

If growing indoors first then sow the seeds about two months in advance. The Pyrethrum seeds should take about 3 to 9 weeks to germinate at 12 degrees centigrade. They can be transplanted outdoors either in autumn or before the last frost of spring.

Caring for feverfew, painted daisies and other Pyrethrum

Once growing pinching back young painted daisies or Feverfew at the tips will encourage branching. Following the end of flowering cut back the plants lightly and feed them, Pyrethrum should then produce a further bloom. If you require more Pyrethrum plants then they can be propagated by division of the plants in the spring time.