How to grow Yarrow

Yarrow

How to Grow: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is easily grown from seed, cuttings, or divisions.

Direct Sowing (Recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost, or in late fall for germination the following spring.
Sowing Depth: Scatter the tiny seeds lightly on the surface of well-prepared soil. Gently press them down, but do not cover them heavily, as they need light to germinate.
Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days at temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Keep the soil consistently moist during this period.
Starting Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms.
Cuttings/Division: Yarrow is very easy to propagate from softwood cuttings taken in late spring/early summer, or by dividing established clumps in spring or fall. These methods ensure plants true to the parent variety.
Planting Out: Once seedlings are robust or divisions are established, transplant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.

Light & Growing Yarrow thrives in full sun and relatively lean conditions.

Sunlight: Yarrow requires full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, for the best flowering and sturdy growth. It can tolerate some partial shade, but may become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
Growth Habit: It forms an upright, clumping perennial, typically reaching 1-3 feet tall and wide, with feathery, dark green or gray-green leaves. It produces flat-topped flower clusters (corymbs) composed of many tiny individual flowers.
Maintenance: o Deadheading: Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and prevent excessive self-seeding. o Cutting Back: Cut back the entire plant by about one-third after the first flush of blooms to encourage a second flowering. In late fall, cut back to the ground. o Dividing: Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Harvesting Yarrow The leaves and flower heads are harvested for medicinal purposes.

Timing: o Leaves: Harvest young, tender leaves throughout the growing season. o Flowers: Harvest flower heads when they are fully open and vibrant, typically from early summer through fall.
How to Harvest: o Snip Stems: Use clean scissors or pruners to snip off entire stems with leaves or flower heads, taking only what you need. o For Drying: For a major harvest, cut stems when the flowers are in full bloom.
Storage: o Fresh: Use fresh leaves or flowers immediately in teas or tinctures. o Drying: Yarrow dries very well. Hang small bunches of stems upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, or spread flowers and leaves on screens. Once thoroughly dry (leaves should be crumbly, flowers brittle), strip leaves and flowers from stems and store in airtight glass jars away from light and heat. o Freezing: Not typically frozen for medicinal use, but fresh leaves can be chopped and added to dishes.

Why Grow Yarrow?

Potent Medicinal Herb (Traditional): Yarrow has a long and impressive history in herbal medicine. o Febrifuge: Traditionally used to "break a fever" by promoting sweating, helping to cool the body. o Anti-inflammatory: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties, useful for minor aches and pains. o Astringent & Wound Healing: Known as a styptic, it can help stop bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes when applied topically (hence its nickname "Soldier's Woundwort"). Its astringent properties also make it useful for skin irritations. o Digestive Aid: Can aid digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and stimulate appetite. o Cold & Flu Remedy: Used in teas and tinctures to alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, particularly fever, congestion, and muscle aches.
Companion Plant: Can enhance the vigor and disease resistance of nearby plants and accumulate nutrients. Yarrow is an incredibly valuable plant, offering not only resilience and beauty in the garden but also a powerful array of traditional medicinal benefits and essential support for pollinators and soil health.

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