Native to Southern Europe, yarrow has been a traditional part of herb gardens for hundreds of years because of its fragrant foliage and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Yarrow can often be found in fields, along roads, or on rocky hillsides. Try this variety if you want to add color to a dry area. Yarrow is also valued for its herbal properties.
Linnaeus named it for Greek general Achilles, who according to legend received yarrow as a gift from the gods; the general’s soldiers used yarrow in the battlefields of the Trojan War. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow.
~ planting ~
Direct sow the seed in fall or early spring; fall planted seed will remain dormant until spring. Sow indoors under bright lights 8-10 weeks before planting out. Do not cover seed as light is required for germination. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid covering the seed with displaced soil. Optimal soil temperature for germination: (~70°F). Seeds can take 10 to as long as 100 days to sprout. Bottom heat speeds (and is highly recommended for) germination.
When the seedlings grow big enough to handle safely and there is no chance of frost, plant them 18-24” apart. Yarrow grows best in full sun and sandy or well drained soil, though it tolerates drought conditions.
~ growing ~
While the young plants should be watered to help them establish a deep root system, too much watering of mature plants can cause stem and root rot or mildew. Since yarrow tends to flop over in fertile soil or shade, staking may be needed; this also protects the plant’s fragile stems in high winds. Deadhead the wilted blossoms often for continued blooming. After the plant has finished blooming, cut the plant down to its lower leaves for healthy spring growth. When the plant becomes 3-4 years old, it will benefit from being dug up and divided in the early spring or fall. This plant attracts butterflies and beneficial insects as well as repelling deer and rabbits, and grows well in borders or large containers. As a companion plant with herbs, it increases their fragrance, flavor, and essential oils.
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
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