How to Grow Achillea
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Achillea
Achillea millefolium
flowerAchillea, commonly known as yarrow, is a hardy perennial with feathery, finely-divided foliage and flat-topped clusters of small, colorful flowers. Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it's an excellent choice for borders, wildflower gardens, and cut flower arrangements. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
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Example Achillea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Achillea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Achillea blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Achillea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; most vigorous in zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with fine, feathery cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 10-14 days. Very delicate at this stage.
Keep soil moist but not wet. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops dense mounds of finely-divided, feathery foliage. Grows 12-24 inches tall depending on variety. Foliage is soft green to gray-green.
Water moderately if rainfall is scarce. Pinch back growing tips in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems. Avoid overwatering.
Flowering
6-10 weeksFlat-topped flower clusters (corymbs) appear at stem tips in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, or orange. Individual flowers are tiny but grouped densely in attractive arrangements.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout summer and fall. Reduce water if rainfall is heavy.
Seed Development
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and seed heads develop in the same flat-topped clusters. Dried seed heads are attractive and provide food for seed-eating birds.
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and wildlife benefit. Cut back about one-third of plant if it becomes leggy.
Dormancy
3-5 monthsFoliage dies back after first hard frost. Plant overwinters as dormant roots and crown. No visible growth above ground in winter.
Cut back dead foliage to soil level in late fall or early spring. Leave some seed heads standing for winter interest if desired. No watering needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; water at soil level rather than overhead. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur spray or neem oil if needed. Avoid overwatering.
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Spray with water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity to discourage infestations.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects like ladybugs naturally control aphid populations.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators.
Uses
Cut and Dried Flowers
CraftAchillea is an excellent cut flower that lasts 1-2 weeks in a vase and dries beautifully for long-lasting dried arrangements. The flat flower clusters add texture and visual interest to both fresh and dried floral designs. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalYarrow has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to support wound healing, reduce fever, and promote digestion. The plant contains alkaloids and flavonoids with potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeAchillea is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, making it invaluable for pollinator gardens and integrated pest management landscapes. Its native status in many regions ensures it supports local ecosystems. [source]
Herbal Tea and Flavoring
CulinaryYoung leaves can be used to make a mildly bitter herbal tea or used as a garnish and flavoring agent. Use sparingly as the plant has a strong aromatic flavor. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdAchillea flowers and foliage produce yellow, green, and rust-colored dyes when used with appropriate mordants. It has been traditionally used for textile dyeing in European cultures. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest when 50-75% of the tiny florets in each flat cluster have opened, usually in morning after dew dries. Cut stems just above a leaf node. Achillea dries excellently for dried arrangements; cut when fully open and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks. For foliage use, harvest before flowering for most potent plant material.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Achillea is named after Achilles from Greek mythology, who allegedly used the plant to heal his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War.
- 🌱 The feathery foliage gives yarrow its scientific species name 'millefolium,' meaning 'thousand leaves,' though it actually has far fewer leaves arranged to appear very delicate.
- 🌱 Achillea can naturalize and spread readily, especially from seed, making it an effective wildflower for meadows and low-maintenance landscapes; some gardeners consider it semi-invasive in ideal conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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