How to Grow Yarrow from Seed: An Easy Perennial Anyone can Grow!

It isn’t hard to learn how to grow yarrow from seed! These drought tolerant flowers can grow in almost any soil, grow like weeds, and are great cut flowers. Not to mention the many varieties, you are sure to find yarrow you will fall in love with.

How to Plant Yarrow From Seed Summary:

• Soil: Break up your soil and get rid of any weeds or grass. If needed add a layer of compost.
• Plant the seed ¼ inch deep and put 2-3 seeds in each hole. Space your planting 8-12 inches apart. I plant mine 9 inches apart because I like a full look. 
• Water: Keep the ground damp, but not pooling water until the seedling comes up. 
• Continued Care: Water regularly, especially when they are young and establishing roots. Once about a foot tall Deep water once a week at the base of the plant. Water 2-3 times a week during hot summer spells. 

For more detail, my favorite variety, and common questions read below!

1. Choose the Right Location

Yarrow need full sun to thrive, so select a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. They prefer warm, well-draining soil.

2. Prepare the Soil

Prepare your soil by clearing any grass or weeds. Then loosen your soil with your hands or shovel. 

Yarrow is not too fussy about soil quality, but they grow best in well-draining soil. You can improve your soil by mixing in some compost if your soil is dense and hard. If your soil is sandy or very loose, adding some compost will help retain moisture and provide nutrients.

3. Growing Cosmos From Seeds

• When to Plant: Plant Yarrow seeds after the last frost in spring when your night temperatures are no lower than 32 degrees. Your last frost date can be found with a simple google search. 
• Direct Sowing:  Plant the seed ¼ inch deep and put 2-3 seeds in each hole. I like to use the back of a sharpie for the perfect hole.  Plant seeds 8-12 inches apart. 
• Water: Keep the ground damp, but not pooling water until the seedling comes up. 
• Start Indoors: You can start yarrow indoors under grow lights 8-10 weeks before your last frost date to get a head start on the growing season.

4. Watering

Yarrow need regular watering, especially when they are young and establishing roots. However, they do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Deep watering once or twice a week is typically enough, but in hot weather, they may need more frequent watering such as every other day.

5. End of Season Care

Yarrow is a perennial, meaning it will come back next year! At the end of the season, you can cut off the dead stems and leaves. In the early spring you will see new green growth!

Show Stopper Yarrow Varieties:

The Pearl: These fluffy white yarrow flowers are beautiful and would be great for flower bouquets!

Flower Burst: If you love bright colors you will love this varieties! Bright purple, pinks, and cream!

Love Parade: Want the color, but not the bright color? This is the perfect variety for you. With soft creams, pinks and purples it will look beautiful dried and in fresh bouquets.

Yarrow Garden Ideas

Yarrow can be so fun because they can be used for medicinal purposes, fresh cut flower gardens, or dried flower

• Add them to your medicinal herb garden.
• Create a perennial cut flower garden for abundant flowers!
• Create a dried flower garden for beautiful flowers all year long.

Common Questions

How do I keep yarrow blooming all summer?

Keep cutting the flowers! Even if you let some flowers die on the plant, cut them off for the plant to put more energy into growing more flowers and not grow seeds.

How tall does yarrow grow?

Around 2 feet tall

Does yarrow come back every year?

Yes! For zones 3-9

Does Yarrow need full sun?

Yes, yarrow needs 6-8 hours of full sun.

What month do you plant yarrow seeds?

Plant yarrow seeds after the last frost in spring when your night temperatures are no lower than 32 degrees. Usually anytime April-July, but check your weather and last frost date to be sure. 

Where can I buy Yarrow seeds?

My favorite places to get unique yarrow varieties are

Johnny’s Select Seeds

Baker Creek Rare Seeds

If you want to know the other flowers to grow for an abundant cut flower garden click HERE!

As always, 

Grow flower to heal your soul,

Beth