Yarrow Seeds (Heirloom)

The best heirloom yarrow for your garden

Yarrow is known by a variety of names. The plant's true genus name, Achillea, is a nod to the ancient Greek warrior Achilles, who is claimed to have discovered how to utilize it to cure battle wounds. Carpenter's weed, thousand-seal, allheal, and bloodwort have all been linked to comparable properties. Heirloom yarrow possesses antibacterial, anticoagulant, and pain-relieving properties.

Companion plants to grow with heirloom yarrow

It's also a pollinator favorite, attracting ladybugs, helpful wasps, and insect predators of aphids and other pests in addition to bees. Tomatoes benefit from this, and lavender planted close by may grow more vigorously. Cauliflower, cabbage, and other Brassicas benefit from the presence of yarrow. This low-maintenance wildflower is a garden workhorse.

Because heirloom yarrow seeds are small and take a long time to sprout, it's a wonderful choice for beginning indoors. Six to eight weeks before the final frost, sow into flats or pots and lightly cover with soil. It usually takes two to three weeks for seeds to germinate. When all danger of frost has gone, transplant into the garden.

Growing conditions for heirloom yarrow

This herbaceous perennial is simple to grow once established. It grows equally as well in bad soil as it does in good soil, and it enjoys hot, dry weather. If rain is scarce, water periodically, but otherwise, heirloom yarrow will take care of itself. Because of its drought resilience and deep roots, it is an excellent erosion control plant that will gradually but steadily improve the soil in its immediate proximity.

Plant Eden Brothers' Heirloom Colorado Yarrow Seed Mix for gentler tones that will fit wonderfully with a cottage garden, or red or gold yarrow for dazzling color in the garden. Enjoy the classic wildflower beauty of yarrow. After the season is complete, the yarrow can be mowed over to release the nutrients it has accumulated, or the leaves can be left to rot during the winter to further improve the soil. Alternatively, if you're not quite ready to give it up yet, heirloom yarrow produces lovely and aromatic dried flower arrangements. Self-seeding yarrow, on the other hand, will return in the spring to continue its task.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for heirloom yarrow seed, see our Yarrow Seeds Planting Guide.