| |  | | Feverfew for Greenhouse Production
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Nancy K. Davison
Posted on: February 27, 2002
Please excuse all of my questions and nagging phonecalls. As you are well aware, I am "pinch hitting" until a new greenhouse manager is hired -- so I promise that these questions are only short term!
It is extremely critical that I purchase the right feverfew and vegetable seeds and as such, I only have to inundate you/Richters with a few more questions. (I hope!)
I know that the golden feverfew has the higher parthenolide content, but it harvests a smaller crop of feverfew. On the other hand, the Canadian feverfew has a lower parthenolide content (.4%), but it is a more aerial, bushy plant and as such, it has less of a "size reduction" once it is dried.
We grow our feverfew for medicinal purposes. We use a hydroponic/aeroponic (A-frame) style greenhouse. To that end, I need to have an expert’s advice as to what is the best feverfew to purchase.
Get the feverfew with catalogue number S2480. It will give you the biggest fresh and dried weight yields, with industry acceptable parthenolide content.
I have been asked the following questions, to which I must be able to supply answers to:
a. What is the best feverfew to grow in the aeroponic/hydroponic a-frame style greenhouse?
"Wild" feverfew, #S2480, if the end use is supposed to be medicinal,
b. feverfew seeds: shelf life?
The germination rate reduces about 10% per year if the seed is kept cool and dry , but not frozen. After 3 years the rate of death increases dramatically.
when tested for potency as a seed, what is the average potency rate?
60 to 75 % germination in 4 to 37 days at 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.
how many seeds (average) per kilogram?
About 7,500,000 seeds per kilogram.
average ratio of successful propagation per kilogram?
It is recommended that you count on using 0.5 to 1 gram of seed to produce 1000 plants.
c. dry feverfew: do you know the density of it when it is dry? For the golden? for the canadian?
We do not have figures for the densities of feverfew.
I am quite sure that your responses to these questions will create more questions from me - and I do apologize for this. I appreciate your patience and understanding while I go through this huge learning curve.
On another note: I have been looking at your extensive list of gourmet vegetables. I know that there are certain "breeds" of vegetables that grow better in certain types of greenhouses. To that end, I would like to know what ones are best suited for the a-frame hydroponic environment.
I know how very busy you are and again - I hope you can excuse all of these questions. However, I have to be sure that I am purchasing the proper seeds for the greenhouse.
I am eagerly awaiting your response to this email.
I hope that you have a relaxing weekend!
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