Yarrow is a herb that is common in Europe, Asia and North America. Residents of these countries may be familiar with the white flowered bush that is generally seen in fields. Yarrow has been used by shamans and healers for centuries to treat injuries, and it does indeed encourage the body’s blood to clot.
Its use in cooking is generally limited to salads. Its oil is also used in shampoos. It can be used in a tea to aid fever or the common cold or as a poultice on a wound, or can be used to treat tooth ache where the gums are inflamed. In very dry areas, yarrow can be but very short as a lawn replacement, as it doesn’t need as much water to survive as normal lawn does.
How To Grow Yarrow
Yarrow can be grown from seeds. They are best started in seed trays or punnets and transplanted when they become seedlings. They can also be bought as seedlings from nurseries. Seeds take 2 to three weeks to germinate. Plant them just below the soil in a potting mix.
Yarrow can also be grown by dividing a mature plant. Divide the plant in to groups of 2 or 3 roots and plant a foot apart.
Once planted, yarrow needs very little attention. Just water occasionally during dry periods. A simple rule with growing things is that if you see something pop up everywhere (such as yarrow right across continents), it probably won’t need much attention to survive. On that note, yarrow is very difficult to get rid of once it is in your garden. Be sure that you want yarrow, and be wary if you plant it next to finicky plant, your prize roses or a lawn.
The plus side of growing yarrow is how effective it is as a companion plant. It repels unwanted insects and attracts desirable ones.
Harvesting Yarrow
Harvest yarrow once the flowers start to bloom. Simply cut the leaves off with a sharp knife or scissors. Let the leaves dry in a cool, dark place.
Yarrow is self-seeding, so it is advisable to cut the plant back after flowering if you wish to prevent this.