How to Grow Yarrow

General Information

Botanical Name:

Achillea millefolium

Common Names:

Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Milfoil

Plant Family:

Asteraceae

Type:

Perennial; Medicinal/Aromatic; Warm Season

Our Favorite Varieties:

Common White Yarrow, Golden Yarrow, Red Yarrow, Pink Yarrow

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

3 to 9

Frost Hardy:

Yes

Heat Tolerant:

Yes

Stratification:

No

Rows, Beds, Containers:

Rows, beds, or containers (best in ground for spreading)

Starting from Seed

When:

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost

Soil:

Seed Starting Mix if starting indoors; Well-draining, light soil; does not need rich soil if starting outdoors.

Depth:

Press into surface; do not cover (needs light)

Water:

Light, consistent moisture until germination

Germination:

10–20 days

Up Pot:

When seedlings have 2–3 true leaves

Light:

14–16 hours bright light

Soil Temperature:

65–70°F

Heat Mat:

Optional

Harden Off:

7–10 days

Row, Bed, Container Prep

Soil:

Well-draining, average to poor soil preferred

pH:

6.0–7.5

Soil Depth or Pot Size:

8–12 inches deep; container at least 10–12 inches wide

Trellis:

Not needed

Fertilizer/Feed:

None to light feeding; too much reduces medicinal strength

Compost:

Light mix only; avoid rich soil

Transplanting/Up Potting

When:

After last frost

How:

Gently loosen roots and place in prepared soil

Depth:

Same depth as original container

Spacing:

12–24 inches apart

Water:

Water in well, then reduce frequency

Mulch:

Light mulch only if needed

Direct Sowing

When:

After last frost

Depth:

Surface sow; press seeds into soil

Spacing:

Thin to 12–24 inches

Water:

Keep lightly moist until established

Light:

Full sun

# in Sq. Ft. Planting:

1 plant per square foot (max), better at 1 per 2 sq ft

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Very light feeding only if needed; once early season

Days to Maturity:

90–120 days

Water:

Low water once established; drought tolerant

Pruning/Harvesting:

Cut flowers regularly to encourage more blooms

Mulching:

Minimal

Pollination:

Attracts pollinators; no assistance needed

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Most herbs, vegetables, and flowers

None Known

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Aphids, Mosquitoes, Flies, Some beetles

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Aphids

Powdery Mildew

Seed Saving

When:

After flowers dry and turn brown

Method:

Collect seed heads, dry completely, and store in a cool, dry place

Harvest Time

When:

When flowers are fully open; leaves before flowering for strongest properties

How:

Cut stems and flower heads

What:

Leaves and flowers

Storing:

Dry in bundles or on screens in a well-ventilated area

Preservation Methods:

Drying

Medicinal Uses:

Traditionally Used for:

Wounds, cuts, bleeding, fevers, digestion, circulation, skin support

Forms:

Tea, tincture, salve, oil, poultice, compress

Dosage or Application:

Tea: 1–2 teaspoons dried herb per cup, up to 3 times daily; Tincture: 20–40 drops up to 3 times daily; Topical: apply as needed

NOTICE:

This information is based on historical/traditional fact. It is for educational purposes only. Lowe Bridges Farm will not be held liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information and the results thereof is your responsibility, and yours alone.

Culinary Uses:

Flavor Profile:

Bitter, slightly aromatic

Best Used In:

Teas; limited culinary use

Forms:

Fresh or dried (sparingly)

As an Aromatic:

Used for:

Herbal scent, insect deterrent

How:

Dried bundles, sachets

Troubleshooting

Leggy Growth:

Needs more sun

Poor Flowering:

Too much fertilizer

Powdery Mildew:

Improve airflow and reduce humidity

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