Description of yarrow
The common yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium) is an Asteraceae family native to North America, Asia and Europe. Distributed in almost all areas of the northern hemisphere. The plant, which many consider an aggressive weed, grows mainly along roads, fields, and wastelands.
Species plants with larger flowers – common yarrow hybrids – have become popular flowering plants for ornamental gardens. The aerial part of the plant is about 70-100 cm tall with lateral branches, especially in the upper part. High – the most common and resistant to cold.
Flower heads are located at the top of the stem, consist of many small flowers, collected in dense flat bunches. Inflorescence with 20-25 ray flowers, usually about 10-15 cm. Varieties include pink, red, cream, yellow and two-tone pastels.
Some types of yarrow are very decorative, suitable for growing in rock gardens, in flower beds or borders. The flowering period is very long. Yarrow usually blooms in spring and blooms until autumn. Yarrow flowers change color during development. Young, just developed, have bright colors, but gradually brighten and fade.
The leaves are pinnate, alternate (from 4 to 15 cm long), give the bush a delicate, fern-like, lacy look. The color of the leaves is gray-green. They have a strong, somewhat spicy flavor that lingers when dried.
How to grow yarrow in your garden?
Selecting a landing site
Yarrow grass adapts to any type of soil, but prefers light, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Too nutrient-rich soils encourage aggressive growth. It grows well on rocky or sandy soils and is therefore suitable for rock gardens.
Note! Yarrow is well known for its ability to improve the soil and also improves the nutritional value of the compost. If it starts to grow, cut it off and throw the leaves into the compost.
How and when to plant yarrow? Plant nursery plants in autumn or early spring, when danger of frost has passed, in a sunny area to encourage compact growth and abundant blooms.
It grows well in hot and dry conditions, but does not tolerate constantly wet soil. It tolerates extreme cold well, and also does not suffer from diseases and pests.
Watering
Yarrow, which is tolerant of periods of extended drought, needs regular but moderate watering after planting to facilitate root establishment.
Fertilizer
For abundant flowering, the plant needs nutrients, therefore, in the first year of cultivation, it is necessary to apply basic fertilizers before preparing the soil.
From March to October, a liquid fertilizer diluted with water for irrigation is applied every ten days. Every 30-40 days spread a slow release granular fertilizer at the base of the bush.
Note! Despite many useful properties, yarrow easily crowds out its neighbors, and can become a weed because it spreads easily.
Landing
When to plant yarrow? From apical cuttings, plant in spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed.
How to plant yarrow. Planted in holes at a distance of 60-70 centimeters between rows and about 25-30 centimeters in rows. Planted plants should be watered to promote root establishment.
Additional Information! In the garden, plants can be planted in groups and combined with other aromatic plants such as basil or flowering plants: hibiscus, bluebell, chrysanthemum.
pruning
Dead stems are removed in early spring or autumn. Cut flowers in the middle of summer when they begin to fade. This encourages most varieties to produce more flowers.
Yarrow: reproduction
The plant is propagated by seeds and division of rhizomes in April-May or September and transplanted elsewhere in the garden.
Division of beams
Divide them every 3-5 years to keep the plants strong and healthy. With care, the most vigorous plants are removed from the ground, divided into parts, and immediately transplanted into prepared holes.
The soil is kept moist until they take root.
Growing yarrow from seeds
Sowing is carried out in spring in open beds. The seeds are mixed with sand, and distributed to a depth of less than half a centimeter, at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other in a row and 50-60 cm between rows. After sowing, the seeds must be crushed. Irrigate until the seeds germinate, which takes 15 to 25 days. Plants that are too close together should be thinned out, removing those that are less developed and too fragile.
The fruits, small, light, oblong seeds, are carried by the wind, even at a considerable distance from the place of growth.
Yarrow officinalis
Collection of yarrow
The best time to harvest is during the flowering period, which depends on climatic conditions. For greater medicinal and aromatic power, the inflorescences should be picked on a hot and sunny day with well-sharpened and disinfected scissors.
Collection of medicinal plants
Cut inflorescences are tied in bunches and dried in a ventilated and warm place. After complete drying, poor-quality parts are removed, and the rest are turned into small fragments and stored in hermetically sealed tins or glass jars in a place protected from moisture and light.
The use of yarrow
These fragrant plants have many medicinal properties. They have digestive, antispasmodic, antihemorrhagic, diaphoretic, astringent, sedative properties. It is used to prepare herbal teas with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive system. They are rich in essential oils and tannins.
Leaves and flowers of yarrow purify the blood, help with colds, fever, stomach and intestinal problems. It is an excellent cleanser and antiseptic.
In herbal medicine, flowers and root are used:
- against inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes;
- with circulatory disorders;
- used against boils, manifestations of acne, ulcers;
- cracks in the chest;
- varicose veins;
- dry, cracked skin.
Yarrow is widely used in the treatment of certain disorders of the female genital organs.
For external use, it is used in cosmetology, as it helps to eliminate fluid stagnation and neutralizes cellulite. Yarrow herb is astringent and can make a good face wash or shampoo.
Yarrow Contraindications : Like any other medicinal plant, it should not be taken without first consulting a doctor. Yarrow is toxic to pets. In humans, in rare cases, it can cause a skin rash, as well as increase the photosensitivity of the skin.
Yarrow, grown in the garden as natural pesticides: the roots produce substances that are unpleasant for the most common pests of vegetable crops. In addition, the infusion of the roots acts as a fertilizer for the soil.
This is an herb that:
- improves poor soil;
- good for adding nutrients to compost;
- it is a useful companion;
- helps attract bees to the garden;
- has beautiful flowers;
- looks great in a vase or in a dried composition.
Yarrow, ornamental cultivation, for cut flowers. Yarrow oil is used to aromatize baths.
Yarrow is used in the kitchen
Flowers and leaves dried in the shade are often used in recipes for liqueurs, aperitifs and herbal digestifs. Since ancient times, yarrow has been an indispensable seasoning. Young and tender leaves can be combined with salads and soups, but be careful not to overdose. The taste is actually very aromatic. This plant is also great for flavoring homemade sauces.
Pests and diseases of yarrow
Yarrow is generally disease free, although it is susceptible to some diseases such as rust and powdery mildew, which coats them with white mold.
It is recommended to periodically remove dry leaves. A very important and useful action is the removal of weeds.
Yarrow is an attractive plant for gardeners because it is low maintenance, drought tolerant, and relatively pest free.
Suitable for cutting (flowers keep in a vase for a long time), and they can also be dried and used for decorations in compositions. Hardy grass looks tender and can brighten up a corner where other plants struggle to grow.
