Marshmallow Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Marshmallow Yarrow, also known as Achillea millefolium, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Europe, but it can also be found in North America and Asia. Marshmallow Yarrow has soft, hairy, and upright stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are feathery and fern-like, with small white or pink flowers clustered at the top.

To grow Marshmallow Yarrow from seeds, you will need the following materials:

• Yarrow seeds
• Potting soil
• Seed-starting tray
• Water
• Plastic wrap
• Grow light or sunny windowsill

Here are the steps to grow Marshmallow Yarrow from seeds:

1. Yarrow seeds benefit from a cold period prior to planting. Ideally, yarrow seeds need a month-long stratification window. You can achieve this indoors by storing seeds in the refrigerator for a month. Place seeds in a damp paper towel tucked into a plastic zipper bag or in damp sand.
2. Fill your seed trays or pots with seed-starting soil, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
3. Moisten the soil using a spray bottle, making sure not to over saturate it.
4. Sprinkle the yarrow seeds over the soil surface, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Seed requires light to germinate so do not cover with dirt.
5. Cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to help retain moisture.
6. Place the trays or pots under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill, making sure the temperature stays between 65-75°F. Germination can be slow with yarrow seeds. If you keep soil temperature at 70°F, germination should occur within 14 to 28 days. At lower soil temperatures, it can take as a long as 100 days for yarrow seeds to sprout. You might consider a heating mat.
7. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, transplant them into individual pots or outdoors, spaced 6-12 inches apart.

To harvest Marshmallow Yarrow, cut the flowerheads just as they begin to open. You can also harvest the leaves and stems at any time during the growing season. To dry the herb, hang the stems upside down in a well-ventilated area until they are dry and crispy.

Marshmallow Yarrow has many medicinal benefits, including:

• It can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
• It can help to relieve digestive problems, including indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea.
• It can help to soothe sore throats and coughs.
• It has antimicrobial properties and can be used topically to treat wounds and skin infections.
• It can help to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps.

Note: As with any medicinal plant, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using Marshmallow Yarrow for any health conditions.