Pyrethrum Flower Seed

Pyrethrum - Chrysanthemum Coccineum (Robinson's Mix)

 

Season: Perennial
Zones: 3 - 7
Height: 16 - 18 inches
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Bloom Color: Mix (Reds)
Environment: Full to Partial Sun
Soil Requirement: Moist but Well Drained
 

Pyrethrum flower seed, also known as Painted Daisy, produces 2-3 inch daisy-like flowers in red, pink, lilac and white with a yellow center in late spring to early summer. The foliage has divided leaves with a strong scent. Pyrethrum prefers a fertile, well drained soil and full sun in the North or partial shade in the South. If cut back after blooming, will bloom again in the fall, but the fall blooms are not as showy as the early summer blooms, and some experts say this practice weakens the plant.

Pyrethrums (such as chrysanthemums) contain a natural low-toxicity natural insecticide that effectively deters many types of insects and small pests from entering your garden. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture reports that the pyrethrum is currently the safest insecticide available for use. You can plant Pyrethrum among your vegetable crops or other flowers to help repel harmful insects. After the flowers bloom in June to July,  the flower heads are used to make an insecticide powder. Once the flowers start to dry on the plant, remove and hang upside down in a dry area. After the flowers have completely dried, they must be ground into a fine powder. This powder can be used as an insecticide. You can sprinkle the powder on the insects or you can make a strong tea and spray on the insects.  It kills soft bodied insects by rapidly paralyzing them (it must be applied directly to the insects), but has little residual effect. Use only as a last resort, as pyrethrum kills some beneficial insects as well.

Plant Pyrethrum flower seed indoors 7-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outside after last frost. Seed germinates in one to two weeks. Plants can be divided in late summer or early spring. Plant the seed or transplanted plants 12 to 18 inches apart. The more sun the plant receives the more natural insect repellant the plant produces. Divisions done in late summer have to be well watered when replanted. Pyrethrum is shallow rooted, so need to keep well watered and fertilized. Pyrethrum is not a long lived plant.