Summer Berries, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Summer Berries, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia but is now naturalized in many parts of North America. The plant has fern-like leaves and produces small white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early fall. The flowers have a sweet, aromatic scent and are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

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

Yarrow seeds
Seed-starting soil
Seed trays or pots
Plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome
A spray bottle
Grow lights or a sunny windowsill
Fertilizer

Here are the steps to grow Summer Berries, 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.

When the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots or into the garden, spacing them 12-24 inches apart.

Fertilize the plants every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer.

To harvest Summer Berries, Yarrow, you should wait until the flowers have fully bloomed and then cut them with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. You can dry the flowers by hanging them upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. Once they are completely dry, you can store them in an airtight container for later use.

Summer Berries, Yarrow has several medicinal benefits, including: