Effect of Substrate and Fertilizer Application Rate on Growth of Tanacetum parthenium in a Protected Greenhouse Structure

Tanacetum parthenium, or feverfew, is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties. Native to Eurasia, but naturalized throughout the United States, feverfew is conventionally sold in human health and nutrition markets as a tea or dried encapsulated product to act as an anti-inflammatory agent and to reduce or eliminate migraine pain. Although much is known about the use of this plant, little information is available regarding its cultivation. The objective of this research was to quantify the influence of various substrate and fertilizer application rates on growth of feverfew within a protected greenhouse environment. To conduct this work, 72 feverfew seeds were purchased (Strictly Medicinal Seeds, Williams, OR), germinated in a greenhouse located in Apopka, FL, and transplanted on 8 December 2015 into 3.8 L containers containing three commercial substrate mixtures (Fafard 1P Mix, Fafard 4P Mix, and Fafard 52 Mix). A slow release fertilizer (Osmocote 15-9-12) was applied at rate of 0, 1.6, 4.5, and 6.8 g L^-1. Plant growth indices (width1 x width2 x height) were recorded weekly while substrate electroconductivity (EC) and pH were measured and recorded biweekly. Results from this research will be used to establish commercial greenhouse production protocol for this unique, high value medicinal crop.