How to Grow Yarrow

Start seeds indoors about 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost, or direct sow outdoors in spring after the danger of severe frost has passed. Seeds may also be sown in late summer or fall, allowing natural winter conditions to improve germination in many climates.

Yarrow is a perennial, so plants often spend much of their first season developing roots before reaching their full flowering potential in subsequent years.

Yarrow seeds require light for good germination. Sow them on the surface of moist seed-starting mix and press gently into the soil without covering deeply.

Keep the growing medium evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Once established, harden seedlings before transplanting into the garden, spacing plants about 18–24 inches apart to allow good airflow and room for mature growth.

Grow yarrow in full sun and well-drained soil. It performs best in average to lean soils and generally produces stronger stems and heavier flowering when not overfertilized.

Once established, yarrow is highly drought tolerant and requires little supplemental watering except during prolonged dry periods. Deadheading encourages additional blooms, while leaving the final flowers of the season provides winter interest and seed for birds.

Yarrow flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and many other beneficial insects. The broad flower clusters provide easy landing platforms for pollinators and predatory insects that help support a healthy, diverse garden ecosystem.

Grow yarrow in full sun and well-drained soil. It performs best in average to lean soils and generally produces stronger stems and heavier flowering when not overfertilized.

Once established, yarrow is highly drought tolerant and requires little supplemental watering except during prolonged dry periods. Deadheading encourages additional blooms, while leaving the final flowers of the season provides winter interest and seed for birds.

Yarrow flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and many other beneficial insects. The broad flower clusters provide easy landing platforms for pollinators and predatory insects that help support a healthy, diverse garden ecosystem.

Yarrow has been cultivated for centuries as both a garden flower and a traditional medicinal herb. White yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is the species most commonly associated with historical herbal use, while gold yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) is widely grown for its large flower clusters, sturdy stems, and outstanding performance in perennial borders and cut flower gardens.

Today, both are valued for attracting pollinators, tolerating drought, and producing long-lasting fresh and dried flowers. As with any plant used for culinary or medicinal purposes, proper identification and reliable reference materials are essential.

Yarrow is generally resistant to serious pest problems but may occasionally attract aphids or spittlebugs. Powdery mildew, stem rot, and root diseases are most likely in overly rich soils, crowded plantings, or poorly drained locations.

Provide full sun, avoid excessive fertilization, and divide mature clumps every few years to maintain healthy growth and improve air circulation.

Yarrow is insect-pollinated, and different varieties readily cross with one another. To maintain a variety true to type, isolate different yarrow varieties by approximately ¼ mile when practical.

Allow flower heads to remain on the plant until they turn brown and dry completely. Cut the mature flower clusters before wind disperses the seed, then finish drying indoors if necessary. Rub the dry flower heads gently between your hands over a tray or screen to release the small seeds, separate the chaff, and store the clean, fully dry seed in a cool, dark, dry location.

• Surface sow seeds since light improves germination.
• Grow in lean soil for stronger stems and heavier flowering.
• Deadhead for continued blooms or leave late flowers for birds.
• Divide mature plants every few years to maintain vigor.
• Excellent companion plant for attracting beneficial insects.