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Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare · Asteraceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant tansy: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous, very finely cut and finely serrated
Flowering
July to September, small golden-yellow flowers in flattened umbels
Adult size
60 to 120 cm in height, 40 to 60 cm in width
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20°C)
Origin
Temperate Europe and Western Asia
Soil type
Ordinary to dry, well-drained

Care

Exposure

Plant your tansy in full sun or partial shade for generous flowering. It tolerates sunny exposures well and remains vigorous even in partial shade. Avoid dense shade which slows growth.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing period, then reduce watering once established. This plant tolerates drought well once rooted. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Soil and drainage

Tansy adapts to any ordinary, well-drained soil. It prefers rather dry and poor soils. Improve drainage on heavy soils with sand or gravel.

Pruning and maintenance

Prune faded stems after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage more abundant flowering the following year. Cut back the plant in spring. You can also pinch young shoots to densify the growth habit.

Fertilizer

Tansy grows well without fertilizer. Well-decomposed compost in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pests and diseases

Very hardy plant with little sensitivity to major pests. It may occasionally suffer from spider mite attacks in extreme drought. Check ambient humidity and ensure good air circulation to limit risks.

Did you know?

Tansy was once called the 'herb of immortality' due to its presence in embalming rituals in the Middle Ages. Its pungent and lasting scent also made it a valuable natural insecticide for protecting harvests and stored fabrics, used for centuries before the advent of synthetic products.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.