Milfoil Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

The perennial milfoil yarrow is a hardy and very old wild meadow and medicinal plant. In naturopathy it is highly valued for its anti-inflammatory, calming and antispasmodic effects. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvest the leaves.

 Description 
Milfoil yarrow is a very old perennial wild meadow and medicinal plant that is native to Europe and Western Asia. As one of the oldest medicinal herbs, the traditional hardy wild plant, known since ancient times, is highly valued in naturopathy and has a variety of applications and health-promoting ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, calming and antispasmodic effects, among others. The robust wild plant loves sun and can withstand dryness and heat. During the long flowering period, it is an excellent pasture for insects. Flowering is also the optimal time to harvest the plant. The above-ground parts of the witch's herb can be used in many ways for tea, tincture, compresses or as a bath additive. The typically bitter-tasting leaf tips are also used in the kitchen. Sheep also like to feed on the pleasantly scented plant with white and rarely pink delicate flowers, which is how it got its name. Indicator plant for nitrogen-rich soils.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter, runner-forming
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -30°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-21 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Generally suitable for all types of plants
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing in rows is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation in pots is also advisable.
Milfoil Yarrow prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Slugs avoid this herb. The plant will not thrive in locations with moist soil. It repels lice and attracts countless insects such as hoverflies, beetles, gall midges, wasps and bees. This improves the pollination of other vegetable plants. The root system forms very long roots and needs a lot of space. The plant grows vigorously and tends to overgrow. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Due to the initially slow growth of the plants, we recommend weeding surrounding herbs regularly. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Achillea millefolium
English names: Milfoil yarrow 
German names: Schafgarbe, Tausendblatt-Garbe
Portuguese names: Millefólio
Spanish names: Milenrama
French names: Mille-feuille

 Origin 
Country: Germany