Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow White Yarrow

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

White Yarrow is a hardy perennial that comes back year after year. It grows best in sunny, well-drained areas and is very tolerant of poor, dry, or rocky soil once established.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in spring after the last frost, or in late summer to early fall for blooms the following year. In mild-winter regions, fall sowing is preferred.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and well-drained soil. Yarrow thrives in poor, dry, or rocky ground. Avoid rich or waterlogged soil, as too much fertility can lead to floppy growth.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Do not add heavy fertilizer, as yarrow performs best in average to poor soil.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Scatter seeds evenly over the planting area. For easier spreading, mix 1 part seed with 10 parts dry sand before broadcasting. Thin seedlings later so plants are spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Do not bury the seeds. Press them gently into the soil surface so they make firm contact but stay exposed to light. Yarrow needs light to germinate. At most, dust with a very thin layer of fine soil or vermiculite.
• 6. Water the Area
  Mist gently with a fine spray to settle the seeds. Keep soil moist for 14 to 21 days until germination. Use a fine mist only - a strong stream of water may wash the seeds away.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, yarrow is highly drought-tolerant and needs little to no watering. Plants can grow up to 36 inches tall and bloom from early summer through fall in the second year and beyond.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

White Yarrow can be started indoors for better control over germination, especially where outdoor conditions are unpredictable.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Surface Sow the Seeds
  Sprinkle seeds on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix and press them in gently. Do not bury the seeds, as yarrow needs light to germinate.
• 3. Keep Lightly Moist
  Mist gently and keep the growing medium lightly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 14 to 21 days.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them in a bright location or under grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant after frost danger has passed, spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Growing Tips

• White Yarrow is a hardy perennial that returns year after year.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Seeds need light to germinate - press into the soil surface and do not bury.
• Mixing tiny seeds with dry sand helps spread them more evenly over a large area.
• Use a fine mist when watering - a strong stream may wash the seeds away.
• Keep soil moist during germination, usually 14 to 21 days.
• Thin seedlings to 12 to 18 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 3,000 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 36 inches tall.
• Yarrow thrives in poor, dry, or rocky soil and dislikes rich or waterlogged soil.
• Once established, yarrow is highly drought-tolerant and needs little to no watering.
• Blooms appear from early summer through fall in the second year and beyond.
• Excellent as a fresh or dried cut flower.