Yarrow

Yarrow — variety description

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial herb of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Common yarrow has fern-like foliage and flat heads of white flowers, which may be pink or reddish, produced over a long period through the summer. Reaches up to 60 cm. tall.

Common yarrow is a perennial medicinal herb and a hardy ornamental plant for dry places.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 97%
• Seeds per packet: 3825–5175 pcs (0.6 g)
• Seed origin: Netherlands
• Sowing: September and October; transplants or direct
• Flowering: April – September
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Yarrow

Yarrow seeds are sown in September and October. The plants flower from April to September. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Yarrow

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 30–40 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow indoors. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Do not cover the seeds, as light aids germination. Propagate or place somewhere warm, 18-25°C. Water only from the bottom of the tray. Keep moist but not wet. Germination takes 5-10 days. When the seedlings have 2 true leaves, prick out into 8 cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out once the danger of frost has passed, 50 cm apart. Thanks to its powerful antiseptic action, yarrow destroys various bacteria and viruses. The bitter parts of the plant and the fatty acids in its composition promote the flow of bile from the gallbladder (choleretic action). It improves digestion and reduces the risk of gallstone formation.

The seeds germinate in light. Tolerates drought.

Harvest and use

The flowering tops are picked for tea.

Frequently asked questions

When should Yarrow be sown?

The recommended sowing months are September and October. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 3825–5175 seeds, pack size 0.6 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 97%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.