Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a tough perennial with flat flower clusters and feathery leaves. NC State Extension lists it at 1 to 3 feet tall, hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, blooming June to September, deer and rabbit resistant, and tolerant of poor soil. It spreads, so give it room.
Yarrow at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 24 in |
| Row spacing | 24 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Blooms June–September |
| How to start | Plant in spring or fall, or divide existing clumps, which NC State lists as a recommended and easy propagation method. |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant yarrow
Plant in spring or fall, or divide existing clumps, which NC State lists as a recommended and easy propagation method. Check your growing zone and frost dates.
How to plant yarrow
- Give full sun, 6 or more hours daily.
- Use well-drained soil. Loam, sand or high-organic soil all work, pH 6.0 to 8.0, and it tolerates poor soils.
- Allow room. NC State lists plants at 1 to 3 feet 10 inches wide, so use the plant spacing calculator.
Caring for yarrow
Yarrow tolerates occasional dryness and occasional wetness, but root rot can occur in waterlogged soil. See the garden watering calculator. Deadheading helps limit seed spread.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Coneflowers, salvia, black-eyed Susans and ornamental grasses |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Waterlogged soil |
NC State says plants can spread aggressively by rhizomes and seeds. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spreading | Yarrow popping up beyond its bed | It spreads by rhizomes and seeds. Deadhead and divide to control it. |
| Root rot | Wilting in wet soil | Occurs in overly wet soil. Improve drainage; see the overwatering checker. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Yarrow is grown for its flowers and pollinator value. Divide clumps to share or control them.
Plan your yarrow
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant yarrow plants?
Space yarrow plants 24 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant yarrow plants?
Plant yarrow at its pot depth in full sun and well-drained soil.
How long do yarrow plants take to grow?
Yarrow blooms from about June to September.
How much water do yarrow plants need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Tolerates occasional dryness; avoid waterlogged soil.
Is yarrow invasive?
It can spread aggressively by rhizomes and seeds; deadheading helps limit seed spread.
Is yarrow deer resistant?
NC State lists it as deer and rabbit resistant.
Can yarrow grow in poor soil?
Yes, it tolerates poor soils if drainage is good.