I love to grow yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also known as yarrow, in my garden because it is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and winter-hardy plant that thrives in many situations. This herbaceous perennial produces clusters of tiny flowers in bunches on tall stems, making it a beautiful addition to floral arrangements and bouquets. It is one of the easiest perennials to grow, as it self-sows easily and requires little care or maintenance. Yarrow can adapt to different soil conditions but grows best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
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One of the main reasons I grow yarrow is for its medicinal uses. Known as a “cure-all”, it has many healing properties and has been traditionally used to treat minor wounds, bleeding, swollen areas, and cramping muscles. A tea made from yarrow can help reduce fever and support digestion due to its astringent qualities. Having this plant readily available means I can make natural remedies straight from my garden whenever needed.
Beyond its health benefits, yarrow is also deer-resistant and attracts beneficial insects, making it a pollinator-friendly choice. Bees and butterflies love its delicate feathery leaves and dense flower heads, which bloom from late summer into fall. The foliage stays green through much of the year, providing interest even when not in bloom. Since yarrow is so tough, it can easily overwinter and return stronger the following year.
For those interested in growing yarrow, a few simple tips can help. Start with a hardy variety, plant it in a sunny spot, and let it spread naturally. The plant is composed of many tiny seeds, so once established, it will continue to thrive. To keep it looking tidy, cut back old blooms at the end of the growing season. Whether for its beauty, resilience, or healing benefits, yarrow is a reliable and rewarding plant to have in any garden.
Why I Plant and Grow Yarrow? (Benefits)
A Natural Soil Booster
I grow yarrow not just for its beauty but for how it improves my gardening experience. This incredible plant has deep roots that pull nutrients from the subsoil, making the soil more nutrient-rich. It is one of nature’s best nutrient accumulators, helping to bring up potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and even copper. Many experienced gardeners, including those behind Gaia’s Garden and Edible Forest Gardens, recommend using yarrow as a natural fertilizer and mulch to build healthier soil.
Scientific Support for Yarrow
Scientific research, including information from the USDA database, supports yarrow’s ability to improve plant growth in food gardens. Since it helps balance acidic soils, it works well as a soil amendment. Some gardeners use yarrow to concentrate micronutrients, ensuring other plants grow strong and healthy. It even plays a role in repairing damaged soils in areas near old houses, where lead-based paint may have weathered into the ground.
Strengthening My Garden Ecosystem
Adding yarrow to my garden is also part of my gardening experiment. I like to stack the deck in favour of thriving plants by increasing plant diversity. I’ve noticed that yarrow helps other plants grow better, making it a strong foundation for my garden. Whether growing from seeds or established plants, it contributes to a healthier environment. For anyone serious about gardening, yarrow is a must-have plant with both practical and scientific benefits.
Soil Cleanup and Pest Control
I grow yarrow because it helps improve contaminated soil, which is a big concern in older gardens. A soil test can reveal problems like lead-contaminated areas, especially near old buildings with lead-based paint. Yarrow is one of the best accumulators of copper and zinc, helping to clean up these sites naturally. Since it concentrates harmful elements, it’s important to be careful when handling plants grown in polluted areas. The roots absorb toxins, so they should be dug up at the end of the season and disposed of properly.
Attracting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
Beyond soil health, yarrow is an amazing plant for pollinators and beneficial insects. Its umbel-shaped flowers—ranging from white, yellow, to pink—are perfect for nectar collection. This attracts lacewings, hoverflies, ladybugs, parasitoid wasps, ground beetles, and even spiders, all of which help control garden pests. Yarrow also provides a habitat for insect egg-laying, overwintering, and refuge, making it an essential part of a balanced ecosystem.
Pest Resistance and Garden Durability
I also appreciate to grow yarrow for its fern-like foliage and its ability to deter pests. As mentioned in Carrots Love Tomatoes, yarrow’s pungent odour repels pests, making it useful for pest-prone gardens. It’s tough enough to handle foot traffic, making it a great ground cover. It even withstands mowing, which allows it to be used in areas where other plants might struggle.
First Aid and Medicinal Uses
Yarrow is also one of my favourite plants for first aid and remedies. The upper portions of the leaf and stem can be used to treat rashes, bug bites, bee stings, cuts, and burns. Its calming and healing properties make it an essential part of my natural medicine cabinet. Homegrown Herbs even highlights how yellow flowers can be taken internally in teas, tinctures, elixirs, and syrup to support overall wellness. However, it should not be used by pregnant women.
Craft and Decorative Uses
Finally, I love using yarrow for craft purposes. The white, pink, and yellow blooms add a lovely confetti effect to the cookie batter. The dried flowers work beautifully in wreaths, bouquets, and decorations, bringing a sense of joy to my garden and home. Whether for its health benefits, soil improvement, or beauty, yarrow is one of the most beneficial plants I grow.
Different Varieties of Yarrow
Paprika
This cultivar is a favourite for its rusty-orange-red blooms that stand out in any garden. It’s a great choice for a cutting garden or a flower farmer looking for bold, warm tones.
Terracotta
With its deep bronze and light gold shades, Terracotta adds an earthy elegance to floral arrangements. It pairs beautifully with other warm-toned flowers and thrives when grown from seed or propagated through cuttings.
Colorado Mix
For a true rainbow of colour, I love the Colorado Mix. This variety includes reds, pinks, purples, oranges, light pinks, creams, ivories, and blush shades, making it a stunning addition to any garden.
Western Yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis)
This native yarrow has muted white flowers that work well in wedding work and soft, pastel colours. Occasionally, a unique sport appears, bringing a fresh and unexpected addition to my garden.
How to Grow Yarrow from Seed
Step 1: Choose Your Seeds
I highly recommend to grow yarrow from seed to get a wider range of colour options than what a local nursery may offer. This perennial plant produces stunning cut flowers that bloom in Spring and early Summer. If you live in a hot climate, yarrow may die back in the fall and go dormant in the cool season, returning the next year.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Follow basic seed starting basics by using pre-moistened soil. Scatter or sprinkle the tiny seeds on top and gently press them in. Do not bury them deeply, as they need light to germinate. Lightly rake or scratch the soil surface to help them settle.
Step 3: Watering and Waiting
Water carefully to avoid washing the seeds away. Instead of watering from above, which can cause seeds to float away, try bottom watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Then, wait a few days for sprouts to appear. Whether using a DIY setup or a starter kit, growing yarrow from seed is an easy way to establish a beautiful, resilient plant in your garden.
Preparing a Planting Site
To grow yarrow successfully, choose an area with full sun for the best compact growth and plenty of flowers. While it can handle partial sun or shade, this may cause the plant to become leggy. Yarrow thrives in hot, dry conditions and can tolerate poor soil, but it struggles in wet soil that stays saturated. It grows best in well-drained soil, whether it’s loamy soil or even clay soil, if improved properly.
Before planting, use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil 12 to 15 inches deep. Mix in a 2 to 4-inch layer of compost to create a rich foundation for growth. While yarrow does fine in average soil, adding nutrients will give it a good start. Be mindful of overenthusiastic growth, as yarrow can grow tall and may need staking in nutrient-rich soil. However, if left in poor soil, a little supplement can ensure it thrives without excessive spreading.
How to Plant Yarrow
Choose the Right Time: Wait until spring, after the last frost, when temperatures are around 65°F. This ensures the seeds or plants have the best conditions for growth.
Select the Right Site: Plant in a spot with full sun for optimal growth. If you have limited sun, partial shade can work, but be aware that it may cause the plant to become leggy.
Prepare the Soil: Yarrow prefers well-drained soil, such as loamy soil. It can tolerate average soil but should not be planted in constantly wet areas. Avoid saturated soil to prevent root rot.
Plant the Seeds or Transplants: If planting from seed, sow them at a planting depth of 1/4 inch. For transplants, space the plants 12 inches apart and leave 12 to 24 inches between rows.
Water and Care: Keep the soil moist until germination. Yarrow needs constant moisture in the early stages but becomes drought-tolerant once established.
Provide Support: As the plants grow, use stakes for support if needed, especially in rich soil, where yarrow can grow taller.
Caring for yarrow
Feeding and Watering
Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care. To keep it healthy, start by applying a thin layer of compost in spring to give it a good start. This helps ensure that the plants are fed throughout the growing season. Yarrow is drought-tolerant, so it can survive on less than 1 inch of water a week, but during hot summer months, it’s good to keep an eye on it and water if needed, especially if rain is scarce. As flowers fade in mid-summer, deadhead them to encourage new blooms. This also helps keep the plant looking its best.
Dividing Yarrow
Every few years, it’s a good idea to divide the plant. Every 3 to 5 years, the clumps can become crowded, which reduces their vigour. Lift the clumps in early spring or fall, carefully remove the old stems, and replant the divisions in different spots around the garden. You can even share divisions with a friend! This keeps the plant healthy and vigorous while preventing it from becoming too large or weak.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
While yarrow is generally disease-free, it can occasionally face issues like aphids, powdery mildew, or rust. To keep it healthy, watch for these pests and remove them quickly. Ensure that the plant has good air circulation to avoid stem rot. Regular care like this helps your yarrow remain a vibrant, vigorous, and disease-free part of your garden for years to come.
Harvesting and Storing Yarrow
To harvest yarrow, it’s important to wait until the blooms are at their best stage. I usually pick the flowers when they are in full bloom, just before the petals start to fade. This is when the fragrant scent is at its strongest and the flower heads are mature. It’s best to cut the stems at a leaf node, ensuring the plant can continue to grow and produce more flowers. For the best results, harvest on a sunny day when the dew has evaporated, which helps the flowers dry more efficiently.
After cutting, you can use a dehydrator on a low heat setting to dry the flowers, or for a more natural approach, I spread them on a cookie sheet and place them in a slow oven with the heat set low. If you’re drying yarrow in the oven, it’s essential to check frequently to avoid burning the delicate flowers. You can also hang small bundles of yarrow upside down in a dark, dry area with good circulation. Once dried, the flowers should feel stiff, and when you bend the pieces, they should snap easily.
For storage, once the flowers are thoroughly dried, please place them in a storage container kept in a cool, dark place. Be sure to check for any beetles or bugs before storing them, and make sure the dried flowers and leaves are free from moisture. Properly stored, yarrow can maintain its fragrance and usefulness for months. It’s perfect for making teas, tinctures, or using essential oils.
Final Observations
Yarrow is a truly versatile plant that brings both beauty and functionality to any garden. Whether you’re growing it for its medicinal benefits, its ability to improve soil health, or its attractive flowers that support pollinators, this hardy perennial offers great value. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions, and with minimal care, it rewards you with vibrant blooms year after year. Whether you use it for natural remedies, as a stunning cut flower, or as a beneficial addition to your garden ecosystem, yarrow proves to be a plant that’s both practical and beautiful.
FAQs
Q- What does the yarrow plant symbolize?
Yarrow symbolizes healing, strength, and protection in various cultures and is often associated with courage and comfort.
Q- What does yarrow attract?
Yarrow attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Q- Can you eat yarrow?
Yes, yarrow is edible and is used in teas and tinctures as a flavouring in some dishes. However, it should be used in moderation.
Q- What are the benefits of growing yarrow?
Yarrow improves soil health, attracts pollinators, has medicinal properties, is drought-tolerant, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of a garden.
Q- What are 10 benefits of yarrow?
1-Heals wounds
2-Relieves cramps
3-Supports digestion
4-Reduces fever
5-Boosts immune system
6-Deters pests
7-Improves soil quality
8-Attracts pollinators
9-Enhances garden biodiversity
10-Creates beautiful floral arrangements
Q- Where does yarrow grow best?
Yarrow grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and can tolerate poor soil but prefers slightly loamy or average soil.
