Yarrow – 50 Seeds

Yarrow Seeds. Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Common Names: Yarrow, Woundwort

Originating in Europe, this hardy, highly viable aromatic perennial grows to 3 feet. Flower heads vary from white to light pink, depending upon individual plant. Tiny flowers appear in flat clusters 3-4 inches across. Fine feathery lace-like foliage completely covers the stalks.

Propagates by seed or root division in either spring or fall. Clumps should be divided every 3-4 years to stimulate growth. Prefers an acid soil of pH 4.5 to 7. Extremely drought resistant, and will grow in gravel. Likes full sun.

Yarrow Medicinal Benefits

• Native American herbal medicine makes extensive use of yarrow. Among the Micmac people of Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, the stalk was chewed or stewed to induce sweating to “break” fevers and colds.
• They also pounded the stalks into a pulp to be applied to bruises, sprains, and swelling.
• The crushed leaves are an astringent (stops bleeding) and helps cuts heal.
• Legend has it that the Greek god Achilles used it for healing his soldiers after battle.
• It is also said to reduce inflammation, increase perspiration, relieve indigestion and has diuretic effects.
• Yarrow also lower fevers, induce sweating, stop cramps, encourage menstruation, relieve inflammation, and stimulate the release of stomach acid to digest proteins and fats.
• The herb is taken internally to treat colds, fevers, and indigestion, and used in skin treatments of slow-healing wounds.

Yarrow Garden Uses

• Yarrow attracts ladybugs. These feeding ladybugs will stick around to feed on the pests in your garden.
• Hoverflies, robber flies, 1/4 inch long chalcid wasps, and braconid wasps all use yarrows nectar as a food source. Each of these will then stick around to attack your garden pests.
• Yarrow also increases the essential oils of plants growing nearby.

Growing Yarrow

• Direct sow the seeds in Autumn or Spring. Alternatively start Yarrow seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your last frost date.
• Sow the seeds in moist, normal potting soil.
• The seeds should just barely be covered by the potting soil.
• Place the pot with the yarrow seeds in a sunny and warm location.
• The seeds should germinate in 14 to 21 days, depending on the conditions.
• You can speed up the germination by covering the top of the pot with plastic wrap to keep in moisture and heat.
• Remove the plastic wrap once the seeds have sprouted.
• They thrive in a wide variety of soils but do best in well drained soil and it likes full sun.