BACK Guides
Table of Contents
Yarrow Planting Guide
When to Plant Yarrow in Australia
What Is Yarrow?
Growing Conditions
How to Plant Yarrow
Ongoing Care & Maintenance
Common Pests & Growing Issues
Companion Planting
Harvesting Yarrow
Traditional Medicinal Uses of Yarrow
How to Use & Prepare Yarrow
Drying, Storing & Preserving
Is Yarrow Right for Your Garden?

How to Grow Yarrow

Botanical Name:
Achillea Millefolium

Native to Europe and parts of Asia, yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers.

Traditionally valued for its use in first-aid and herbal practice, it has a long history of supporting general wellbeing and skin care.

Do you want to learn how to grow yarrow? If so, let’s dive in.

Yarrow Planting Guide

Method
Seedlings
Sowing Depth
2 mm
Season
Warm
Germination
10-14 days @ 18-22°c
Hardiness & Life Cycle
Hardy Perennial
Row Spacing
30 – 60cm
Plant Spacing
60cm
Position
Full or Part Sun
Days Until Maturity
120 - 130 days
Storage Instruction
80 - 95 days

When to Plant Yarrow in Australia

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cool
Mild
Sub-Tropical
Tropical
Arid

What Is Yarrow?

Yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly in first-aid and wound care. It’s recognised by its finely divided, fern-like leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.

In the garden, yarrow is valued for its resilience, drought tolerance, and ability to attract beneficial insects. It’s an excellent low-maintenance plant that performs well in herb gardens, mixed borders, and productive landscapes.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Requirements

Yarrow grows best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Full sun encourages compact growth and strong flowering.

Soil & Drainage

Well-draining soil is essential. Yarrow prefers poorer soils and does not perform well in overly rich or waterlogged ground.

Watering Needs

Water regularly during establishment. Once established, yarrow is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Temperature & Frost Tolerance

Yarrow tolerates heat, cold, and frost. Growth may slow in winter but returns strongly in spring.

How to Plant Yarrow

When to Plant in Australia

Yarrow can be planted from spring through early autumn, depending on your local climate.

Sowing Seeds

Seeds are best started as seedlings. Sow seeds around 2 mm deep and keep soil lightly moist until germination.

Germination & Early Growth

Seeds usually germinate within 10–14 days in warm conditions. Seedlings establish steadily and benefit from good airflow.

Transplanting & Spacing

Space plants around 60 cm apart to allow room for spreading growth and airflow.

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Watering Once Established

Water only during extended dry periods. Overwatering can lead to weak, floppy growth.

Feeding & Soil Health

Yarrow requires very little feeding. Excess nutrients can reduce flowering and overall plant strength.

Pruning & General Maintenance

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Cut plants back after flowering or in late winter to refresh growth.

Common Pests & Growing Issues

Common Pests

Yarrow is largely pest free. Aphids may occasionally appear but rarely cause lasting damage.

Diseases & Fungal Issues

Fungal issues can occur in humid conditions if airflow is poor. Proper spacing and sun exposure help prevent problems.

Environmental Problems

Overly rich soil or excessive watering can lead to weak stems and reduced flowering.

Companion Planting

Good Companion Plants

Yarrow grows well alongside herbs, vegetables, and flowers. It pairs well with lavender, rosemary, echinacea, and anise hyssop.

Plants to Avoid

There are no major companion conflicts, though yarrow may spread if not managed.

Harvesting Yarrow

When to Harvest

Leaves and flowers can be harvested once plants are well established. Flowers are best harvested when fully open.

How to Harvest Different Plant Parts

  • Leaves: Harvest young leaves before flowering
  • Flowers: Cut whole flower heads for drying

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Yarrow

Yarrow has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for wound care and first-aid applications. Leaves were traditionally applied to cuts and scrapes to help stop bleeding and support healing.

Taken internally as a tea, yarrow has also been used to support digestion, circulation, and fever management. These uses are based on historical practice rather than modern medical claims.

How to Use & Prepare Yarrow

Making Herbal Tea

Leaves and flowers can be dried and brewed into herbal tea traditionally used for general wellbeing.

Tinctures & Extracts

Yarrow is commonly prepared as a tincture using fresh or dried plant material.

Oils, Salves & External Uses

Infused oils and salves made from yarrow have traditionally been used externally for skin support and first-aid preparations.

Drying, Storing & Preserving

Drying Methods

Harvest flowers and leaves and dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Storage Tips & Shelf Life

Store dried yarrow in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Properly stored, it retains quality for many months.

Is Yarrow Right for Your Garden?

Yarrow is an excellent choice for gardeners wanting a tough, low-maintenance perennial with a long history of traditional medicinal use. Its resilience, pollinator appeal, and versatility make it a valuable addition to home gardens.

Previous Post
Next Post
  • How to Grow Yarrow

    How to Grow Yarrow

    Botanical Name: Achillea Millefolium Native to Europe and parts of Asia, yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers.Traditionally valued for...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Yarrow

    Botanical Name: Achillea Millefolium Native to Europe and parts of Asia, yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers.Traditionally valued for...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Stinging Nettle

    How to Grow Stinging Nettle

    Botanical Name: Urtica Dioica. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, stinging nettle is a vigorous perennial herb with serrated green leaves covered in fine stinging hairs.Traditionally valued as a...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Stinging Nettle

    Botanical Name: Urtica Dioica. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, stinging nettle is a vigorous perennial herb with serrated green leaves covered in fine stinging hairs.Traditionally valued as a...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Valerian

    How to Grow Valerian

    Botanical Name: Valeriana Officinalis Native to Europe and parts of Asia, valerian is a tall perennial herb with soft green foliage and clusters of pale pink or white flowers.Traditionally valued...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Valerian

    Botanical Name: Valeriana Officinalis Native to Europe and parts of Asia, valerian is a tall perennial herb with soft green foliage and clusters of pale pink or white flowers.Traditionally valued...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Dandelion

    How to Grow Dandelion

    Botanical Name: Taraxacum. Native to Europe and western Asia, dandelion is a hardy perennial herb with deeply toothed green leaves and bright yellow flowers.Traditionally valued for both medicinal and culinary...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Dandelion

    Botanical Name: Taraxacum. Native to Europe and western Asia, dandelion is a hardy perennial herb with deeply toothed green leaves and bright yellow flowers.Traditionally valued for both medicinal and culinary...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Lemon Balm

    How to Grow Lemon Balm

    Botanical Name: Melissa Officinalis. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and a fresh, lemony aroma.Traditionally valued for its...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Lemon Balm

    Botanical Name: Melissa Officinalis. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and a fresh, lemony aroma.Traditionally valued for its...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Feverfew

    How to Grow Feverfew

    Botanical Name: Tanacetum Parthenium. Native to southern Europe, feverfew is a compact perennial herb with bright green foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres.Traditionally valued in herbal practice,...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Feverfew

    Botanical Name: Tanacetum Parthenium. Native to southern Europe, feverfew is a compact perennial herb with bright green foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres.Traditionally valued in herbal practice,...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Chamomile

    How to Grow Chamomile

    Botanical Name: Phaseolus Vulgaris. Native to Europe and western Asia, chamomile is a delicate herb with fine foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with golden centres.Traditionally valued for its calming...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Chamomile

    Botanical Name: Phaseolus Vulgaris. Native to Europe and western Asia, chamomile is a delicate herb with fine foliage and small, daisy-like white flowers with golden centres.Traditionally valued for its calming...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Echinacea

    How to Grow Echinacea

    Botanical Name: Echinacea Purpurea. Native to North America, echinacea is a hardy perennial herb with upright stems and large, daisy-like purple flowers.Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it’s known for its...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Echinacea

    Botanical Name: Echinacea Purpurea. Native to North America, echinacea is a hardy perennial herb with upright stems and large, daisy-like purple flowers.Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it’s known for its...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Anise Hyssop

    How to Grow Anise Hyssop

    Botanical Name: Agastache Foeniculum. Native to North America, anise hyssop is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and tall spikes of purple flowers with a sweet, liquorice-like aroma.Traditionally...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Anise Hyssop

    Botanical Name: Agastache Foeniculum. Native to North America, anise hyssop is a fragrant perennial herb with soft green leaves and tall spikes of purple flowers with a sweet, liquorice-like aroma.Traditionally...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Lovage

    How to Grow Lovage

    Botanical Name: Levisticum Officinale Originating from southern Europe, lovage is a tall, aromatic herb with deep green, celery-like leaves and a rich, savoury aroma. Long valued in traditional herbal and...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Lovage

    Botanical Name: Levisticum Officinale Originating from southern Europe, lovage is a tall, aromatic herb with deep green, celery-like leaves and a rich, savoury aroma. Long valued in traditional herbal and...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Lavender

    How to Grow Lavender

    Botanical Name: Lavandula Stoechas Originating from the Mediterranean, lavender is a beloved aromatic herb with silvery-green foliage and soothing purple blooms. Celebrated for its calming scent and versatility, it’s perfect...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Lavender

    Botanical Name: Lavandula Stoechas Originating from the Mediterranean, lavender is a beloved aromatic herb with silvery-green foliage and soothing purple blooms. Celebrated for its calming scent and versatility, it’s perfect...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Dianthus

    How to Grow Dianthus

    Botanical Name: Dianthus Native to Europe and Asia, dianthus is a charming flowering plant admired for its frilled petals and spicy, clove-like fragrance. Blooming in shades of pink, red, and...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Dianthus

    Botanical Name: Dianthus Native to Europe and Asia, dianthus is a charming flowering plant admired for its frilled petals and spicy, clove-like fragrance. Blooming in shades of pink, red, and...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Zinnias

    How to Grow Zinnias

    Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis Originating from southern Europe, calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its golden-orange blooms and gentle healing properties. Often used in skincare and herbal remedies,...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Zinnias

    Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis Originating from southern Europe, calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its golden-orange blooms and gentle healing properties. Often used in skincare and herbal remedies,...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Calendula Seeds

    How to Grow Calendula Seeds

    Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis Originating from southern Europe, calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its golden-orange blooms and gentle healing properties. Often used in skincare and herbal remedies,...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Calendula Seeds

    Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis Originating from southern Europe, calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its golden-orange blooms and gentle healing properties. Often used in skincare and herbal remedies,...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Marigolds

    How to Grow Marigolds

    Botanical Name: Tagetes spp. Marigolds originate from Mexico and Central America and are loved for their bright, cheerful blooms and pest-repelling properties. These hardy annuals thrive in sunny conditions, making...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Marigolds

    Botanical Name: Tagetes spp. Marigolds originate from Mexico and Central America and are loved for their bright, cheerful blooms and pest-repelling properties. These hardy annuals thrive in sunny conditions, making...

    Read More >
  • How to Grow Violas

    How to Grow Violas

    Botanical Name: Viola odorata Violas originate from Europe and are treasured for their small, vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance. These versatile flowers thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for...

    Read More >

    How to Grow Violas

    Botanical Name: Viola odorata Violas originate from Europe and are treasured for their small, vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance. These versatile flowers thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for...

    Read More >