Purple Tansy Annual Green Manure Seeds - 1kg

Meldon Seeds - Purple Tansy Annual Green Manure Seeds

Packet size - 1kg

Meldon Seeds Purple Tansy Annual Green Manure Seeds produce a fast-growing, highly beneficial cover crop valued for both soil improvement and pollinator support. This attractive annual forms abundant purple-blue blooms while building organic matter, suppressing weeds, and supporting beneficial insects.

Purple tansy (often used as a green manure and beneficial insect plant) develops a fibrous root system that improves soil structure and helps reduce erosion. Above ground, its dense growth shades out weeds, while its long flowering period attracts bees, hoverflies, lacewings, and other natural predators that help balance pest populations. When incorporated into the soil, purple tansy contributes valuable organic matter and nutrients for subsequent crops.

Ideal for gardens, orchards, and small farms, Purple Tansy is especially useful in rotations where soil health and insect diversity are priorities.

Key Benefits

• Fast-growing annual green manure

• Improves soil structure and organic matter

• Helps suppress weeds

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

• Supports natural pest management

• Excellent for summer or early spring cover cropping

How to Use Purple Tansy as a Green Manure

1. When to Plant

• Sow in spring after the risk of hard frost has passed, or in late summer/early autumn where winters are mild.

• Prefers cool to moderate temperatures but tolerates a wide range of conditions.

2. Soil Preparation

• Clear the area of weeds and debris.

• Lightly cultivate or rake to create a fine seedbed.

• Purple tansy grows well in average soils and does not require heavy fertilization.

3. Seeding Rate

• Broadcast approximately 250 g  per 100 sq metres.

• Lightly rake seeds into the soil, planting no deeper than ¼ inch.

• Firm soil gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

4. Watering

• Water after sowing if conditions are dry.

• Keep soil lightly moist until seedlings are established.

5. Growth & Management

• Plants establish quickly and produce abundant foliage and flowers.

• For green manure use, allow plants to grow until early to mid-flowering.

6. Termination & Incorporation

• Mow, cut, or till plants into the soil before seeds mature.

• Incorporate plant material while still tender for fastest breakdown.

• Wait 10–14 days before planting the next crop to allow decomposition.

Tips for Best Results

• Purple tansy is excellent in rotations focused on pollinator habitat and beneficial insect attraction.

• Can be used as a standalone cover crop or mixed with other annual green manures.

• Avoid allowing plants to go to full seed if self-seeding is not desired.