So, you've decided to add some yarrow to your garden? Excellent choice! This hardy perennial is a real workhorse, offering beautiful blooms, attracting pollinators, and generally being a low-maintenance dream. Planting yarrow seeds is a straightforward process, and this guide will take you through it step-by-step, ensuring you're well on your way to enjoying a garden full of these cheerful, daisy-like flowers. We'll cover everything from choosing the right seeds to nurturing those seedlings into thriving plants. Get ready to get your hands dirty (but not too dirty - yarrow is remarkably easy).
Before you even think about getting your trowel out, you need to think about where you're going to plant your yarrow. Yarrow thrives in full sun (at least six hours a day) and well-drained soil. This is crucial; yarrow hates wet feet. Consider the location carefully: is it sunny enough? Does the soil drain well? If not, you might need to amend your soil by adding sand or compost to improve drainage. Yarrow will grow in a variety of soil types, but it performs best when drainage is good.
Next, seed selection. You have options! You can purchase seeds online, at your local garden center, or from a reputable seed catalog. Choose a yarrow variety that appeals to you. There's a whole spectrum of colors to choose from, including white, yellow, pink, red, and even bi-colored varieties. Consider the mature size of the yarrow (some varieties grow quite tall), and how it will fit into your overall garden design. Good planning makes for a beautiful, long-lasting garden. Don't forget to look at the seed packet for any specific planting instructions or regional suitability considerations.
Another critical aspect is the timing. The best time to plant yarrow seeds is typically in the spring (after the last frost) or the fall (before the first frost). Spring planting allows the plants to establish themselves during the growing season, while fall planting gives them a head start over winter. However, you can successfully start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last expected frost if you want a head start on the growing season.
Alright, you've got your seeds, you've picked your spot, now for the fun part - planting! Start by preparing the soil. Remove any weeds, rocks, and debris. You can lightly till the soil to loosen it, but yarrow is quite adaptable, so this isn't strictly necessary. Once the soil is prepared, you can directly sow yarrow seeds, or you can start them indoors.
If sowing directly, lightly scatter the yarrow seeds on the surface of the soil. Yarrow seeds are tiny, so don't bury them too deep - a light covering of soil (about 1/8 inch) is sufficient. Gently pat the soil down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the area gently, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy, until the seedlings emerge. If you're starting seeds indoors, use a seed starting mix in trays or small pots. Sow the seeds as described above. Keep the soil moist and provide adequate light (a sunny windowsill or grow lights work well).
Once your seedlings have a few sets of true leaves (the leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves), it's time to transplant them. If you started indoors, harden off the seedlings (gradually expose them to outdoor conditions) for a week or so before transplanting. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and space the yarrow plants about 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, gently place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Once your yarrow is established, caring for it is a breeze. Yarrow is remarkably drought-tolerant, so you don't need to water it frequently. Overwatering is a far bigger threat than underwatering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Deadheading spent flower stalks encourages more blooms throughout the growing season. Simply snip off the faded flower heads.
Fertilizing yarrow is also minimal. In general, yarrow doesn't need a lot of fertilizer. A light feeding in the spring with a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial, but avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leggy growth. Dividing yarrow plants every 3-5 years is recommended to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. This is best done in the spring or fall.
Pest and disease issues are rare with yarrow. However, keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites. If you spot any, simply spray them off with a strong jet of water. Yarrow is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens where deer are a problem. You'll be enjoying your beautiful yarrow blooms for years to come with minimal effort!
Here are some of the most common questions people have about planting yarrow: