Growing Agrimony

Growing Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a great addition to your herbal medicine chest. Agrimony is a member of the Rosaceae family (rose family) is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and oxidative related diseases. Aerial parts of the plant are used to make teas, infusions, bath bags, mouthwash and topical preparations. Agrimony is also known as buttercups, church steeples, cocklebur and sticklewort. It is a perennial growing to a height of 60cm. Lightly scented yellow flowers are produced in spikes in summer, followed by burr like seed pods. The upright stems are often hairy and the downy leaves are divided into 3-6 leaflets.

How to grow Agrimony from seed
Agrimony likes well drained soil and will tolerate a wide range of climates and soils. Plant in sun to part shade.

• For best germination results, stratify the Agrimony seeds for 4-8 weeks by mixing seeds with small amount of moistened vermiculite in a small plastic bag and placing into refrigerator.
• Check regularly, adding water if needed to maintain moisture.
• If seeds begin to germinate, transplant immediately into a container.
• After the seeds have been in the cold for 4 to 8 weeks, they are ready to be moved. Fill the tray with all-purpose soil and sprinkle 2 seeds on top of each cell. Cover the seeds with ¹⁄₄ inch (6.4 mm) of soil and moisten it with a spray bottle of water.
• Keep the pots in a sunny location for 3 to 4 weeks. The seeds will germinate in 10-24 days, but keep them in the pots so they can establish roots and grow taller.
• After the 4 weeks have passed and the seedlings are large enough to be handled, they are ready to be taken outside.
• Once there is no risk of frost in your area, you can transplant the seedlings into your garden.
• Plant the seedlings 12 inches (0.30 m) from one another.
• Agrimony takes most of the growing season until it is ready to be harvested, so planting in the early spring will give you enough time for it to bloom
• Your Agrimony plants should be ready for harvest within 90-130 days.

Maintaining Agrimony plants

Agrimony plants do not require a lot of attention. Just water lightly until the plants are established. Thereafter, water only when the soil is dry. Beware of overwatering, which can cause powdery mildew.

Harvesting Agrimony

• Agrimony can be harvested and collected after 3 or 4 months.
• The leaves are what you will use to make teas or salves that you can use for medicinal purposes.
• They can be cut as they are needed, but harvesting once the flowers start to bud and bloom will give you the healthiest leaves.
• You can also cut and dry the flowers as they open, and they can be used similarly to the leaves.
• Hang the leaves to dry out of direct sunlight for 7 to 10 days.