Painted Daisy (P)
Tanacetum coccineum
Perennial. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Contains pyrethrum, a chemical that is commonly used as an organic insecticide. To make your own, crumble fresh or dried flowers into water and let it sit for a day or two. Strain and use to control aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Start inside 8-10 weeks before planting out. Cover seed lightly and keep cool. May also be direct seeded into the garden in early spring or early autumn. Pinch back young plants to encourage branching. Hardened plants may be transplanted in early spring, into a sun location, 18 inches apart. Plant in groups of at least three plants. Divide every 3 years or when the center starts to die out in spring. After blooming, cut back foliage by half. Deadhead regularly.
