Common Yarrow

What you'll need:

Common Yarrow seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A sunny spot in your garden or a large pot with drainage holes

Well-draining soil (this plant doesn't like soggy feet!)

A small trowel or gardening tool for planting

Optional: Some compost or light fertilizer to give the soil a little boost

When to start:

Common Yarrow loves warmth and sunlight, so late spring to early summer is the best time to plant. If you're starting with seeds indoors, you can begin about 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

Choosing a good spot:

Yarrow thrives in full sun but can handle a bit of afternoon shade if needed. It’s also pretty tough and drought-tolerant once established, so it's perfect for spots that get a lot of sun and don’t stay too wet. If you're using pots, make sure they’re big enough — at least 12 inches wide and deep.

Soil check: Yarrow prefers soil that drains well. If your soil tends to hold water, mix in some sand or gravel to help it dry out faster.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with soil and sprinkle the tiny seeds on top (don’t bury them too deep; just press them lightly into the soil).
2. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
3. Place the pot in a sunny window or under grow lights.
4. Seeds should sprout in about 1-2 weeks.
5. Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, they’re ready to move outside.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot that's slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
3. Fill in around the plant with soil and gently pat it down.
4. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Spacing:

If planting multiple Yarrow plants, leave about 18-24 inches between each one. They’ll spread out as they grow, so they need room to stretch!

Watering:

• Yarrow doesn’t need much water once it’s settled in. After the first few weeks, water only when the soil feels dry about an inch down.
• Overwatering is the biggest mistake with Yarrow — soggy soil can lead to root rot.

Feeding:

• You don’t need to fertilize Yarrow often. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause leggy growth.
• If you want to give it a little boost, add a light layer of compost in early spring.

Pruning & Deadheading:

• To encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy, snip off spent flowers (deadheading) as they fade.
• After the first round of blooms, you can cut back the whole plant by about one-third to encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season.

Winter care:

• Yarrow is a hardy perennial, so it will die back in winter but return in spring. Leave the dried stems over winter to provide some protection, then cut them back in early spring.

Pest and disease tips:

• Yarrow is generally pest-free, but watch out for powdery mildew if the air is too humid. Make sure there’s good airflow around the plant.
• If you notice any yellowing leaves, it could be a sign of overwatering.

When to harvest:

• Yarrow flowers are usually ready to harvest from late spring through summer when they’re fully open and look fluffy.
• The best time to pick them is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip off the flower heads or stems.
• If you plan to use Yarrow for dried arrangements or crafts, bundle several stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place.

Using Yarrow:

• Fresh or dried Yarrow flowers can be used in bouquets or dried flower arrangements.
• Some people also use Yarrow leaves and flowers in teas or herbal remedies, but always check with a professional before trying this yourself!

After harvesting:

• Regularly cutting flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms throughout the growing season.
• At the end of the season, let some flowers go to seed if you’d like Yarrow to self-sow and spread naturally in your garden.

Q: Can I grow Yarrow in a pot?

A: Yes! Yarrow does well in containers as long as the pot is large enough and has good drainage. Just make sure you don’t overwater it.

Q: How do I stop Yarrow from spreading too much?

A: Yarrow can spread via rhizomes (underground stems). To control its growth, dig up any unwanted shoots or divide the plant every couple of years in early spring or fall.

Q: Why are my Yarrow leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Yarrow likes to dry out between waterings.

Q: Does Yarrow attract pollinators?

A: Absolutely! Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects love Yarrow’s nectar-rich flowers, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Q: Can Yarrow survive cold winters?

A: Yes, Yarrow is very hardy and can survive cold winters. The above-ground parts will die back, but the roots will remain alive and send up new growth in spring.