Tansy

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a bitter, aromatic perennial flowering plant with fern-like leaves and bright yellow button flowers.

It was historically used, but sparingly, to flavour cakes and puddings. Its modern use focuses on the garden rather than the plate. Tansy is good for pollinators and traditionally used to help deter unwelcome insects. It can be a skin irritant for some people, so be careful!

Tansy grows best in well-drained soil and is tolerant of poor soil. It can spread easily, so it is best contained or planted where it can naturalise.

It’s best sown in spring from seed.

You can pick leaves and flowers as needed throughout summer.

Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!