Yarrow

Overview: 

Yarrow is an easy-to-grow, wildflower here in Arizona. This plant is drought tolerant and easy to start from seed. Its ferny foliage also gives the garden a unique texture when it’s not in bloom. It’s said to be a perennial in this zone, and with proper care, you can have this plant for a few years, maybe more. Keep making sure the root ball dries out in between waterings. The biggest cause of death for yarrow is over-watering.

Plant sunflowers between the yarrow plants in early summer. This will help shade the plants the get them through the summer months, especially their first year. They will become perennials for you if you help them through the summer.

Starting seeds:

Starting seeds for yarrow is relatively easy. I usually over-sow the seedlings, putting 3-5 seeds per cell. I do not thin out seedlings for this flower. Surface sow the seeds, and sprinkle a fine layer of vermiculite atop. Check out my seed starting guide for more tips and tricks for indoor seed starting. Start seeds indoors in August-October.

When to plant outdoors: 

October-December

Spacing: 

12” apart

Height:

12-24”

Sun: 

Full sun 6+ hours

Flower Support:

No

Fertilizing:

low

Typical bloom time:

mid-April-June

Succession plant?

No

Seed Sourcing:

Johnny’s seeds and Geo seeds are my go-to’s.

Pairing plants:

Scabiosa, feverfew, and monarda

Favorite varieties:

Summer Pastels

‘Summer Pastels’ Mix grown from seed. Isn’t this such a lovely riot of color?!

Mauv, lavender, and purple shades that I picked out of the ‘Summer Pastel’ Mix. I was singing ‘Lavender Haze’ by Taylor swift the entire time I was picking these lol

Yarrow patch before picking all the beautiful blooms!