YarrowAchillea

Yarrow

Yarrows

1. yarrow
2. yarrows

1. yarrow
2. yarrows

1. Yarrow
2. Achillea

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Asterids

Aster family

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its feathery leaves and umbrella-shaped flower clusters, available in various colors from white to pink and red. Yarrow is extremely undemanding and thrives in sunny locations on almost any well-draining soil. It is drought-resistant and low-maintenance, making it an ideal plant for sunny borders, rock gardens, and as a cut flower. Traditionally, it is used as a medicinal herb for digestive issues and wound healing. Its flowers and leaves are edible and can be used sparingly in the kitchen. Yarrow is an important attractant for beneficial insects and promotes biodiversity in the garden.

1. TaskSow seeds outdoors.

   Label

   Sow seeds outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_7c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow thinly and cover lightly with soil.

2. TaskPrepare soil.

   Label

   Prepare soil

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Loosen the soil and remove weeds.

1. TaskSow seeds outdoors.

   Label

   Sow seeds outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_10c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow thinly and cover lightly with soil.

2. TaskWeed control.

   Label

   Weed control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionweeds_visible

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Weed regularly to avoid competition.

1. TaskFirst harvest of leaves and flowers.

   Label

   First harvest of leaves and flowers

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionflowering_started

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Best harvested on a sunny morning.

2. TaskDeadhead spent flowers.

   Label

   Deadhead spent flowers

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionspent_flowers_visible

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Promotes reblooming and prevents self-seeding.

1. TaskHarvest leaves and flowers.

   Label

   Harvest leaves and flowers

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionflowering

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular harvesting keeps the plant compact.

2. TaskDivide older plants.

   Label

   Divide older plants

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionplant_established

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For rejuvenation and propagation. Water well after division.

1. TaskHarvest leaves and flowers.

   Label

   Harvest leaves and flowers

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionflowering

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Can be harvested multiple times a year.

2. TaskDeadhead spent flowers.

   Label

   Deadhead spent flowers

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionspent_flowers_visible

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Encourages a second bloom.

1. TaskHarvest leaves and flowers.

   Label

   Harvest leaves and flowers

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionflowering

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Last harvest before winter.

2. TaskDivide older plants.

   Label

   Divide older plants

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionplant_established

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For rejuvenation and propagation. Water well after division.

1. TaskSow seeds outdoors.

   Label

   Sow seeds outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_10c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sowing for the next season.

2. TaskCut back plants.

   Label

   Cut back plants

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionplants_untidy

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   If plants look untidy or have self-seeded excessively.

1. TaskSow seeds outdoors.

   Label

   Sow seeds outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_7c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Late autumn sowing for early spring growth.

Suitable for sunny beds, rock gardens, and as a cut flower.

1. sandy
2. loamy
3. chalky

1. light
2. medium

Lean, well-draining soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging.

rarely

moderate

Water only during prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogging.

1. organic

once annually

low

A light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Well-suited for sunny borders, rock gardens, and as border planting. Also as a cut flower.

Iron deficiency manifests as yellow leaves with green veins, especially in alkaline soils.

Tall varieties can lodge in strong winds or heavy rain.

Overcrowding can lead to competition for light, water, and nutrients, and increase susceptibility to diseases.

Yarrow can self-seed prolifically, which can lead to unwanted spread.

1. Sucking insects
2. Mites

1. Fungal diseases (leaf spots, mildew, rust)
2. Bacterial diseases
3. Root diseases

1. Good drainage and avoidance of waterlogging.
2. Adequate plant spacing to promote air circulation.
3. Site selection with full sun.
4. Regular harvesting promotes vitality and prevents excessive self-seeding.
5. Removal of infected plant parts.
6. Avoidance of over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen.
7. Selection of resistant varieties.

Diagnosis of problems in yarrow is based on observing symptoms such as discoloration, leaf loss, wilting, or the appearance of pests and pathogens. Accurate identification is important for correct control.

1. Slugpowdery_mildew_achillea

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Poor air circulation
   3. Shady location

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Adequate plant spacing.
   2. Full sun location.
   3. Selection of resistant varieties.

   Organic control

   1. Spraying with plant extracts (e.g., horsetail).
   2. Removal and destruction of infected plant parts.
2. Slugrust_achillea

   Severitylow

   Conditions

   1. Humid weather
   2. Poor air circulation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Good air circulation through plant spacing.
   2. Removal of plant debris in autumn.

   Organic control

   1. Removal and destruction of infected leaves.
3. Slugroot_rot_achillea

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. Heavy, compacted soils

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Entire plant

   Prevention

   1. Improve soil drainage (sand, compost).
   2. Site selection with good drainage.
   3. Avoid overwatering.

   Organic control

   1. Not directly treatable; focus on prevention.

1. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves and stems

   Possible causes

   1. powdery_mildew_achillea

   First checks

   1. Check humidity and air circulation.
   2. Evaluate location and plant spacing.
2. Symptom

   Orange to brown pustules on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. rust_achillea

   First checks

   1. Examine infected leaves for signs of rust fungi.
   2. Consider weather conditions.
3. Symptom

   Wilting, yellowish discoloration, stunted growth

   Possible causes

   1. root_rot_achillea

   First checks

   1. Check soil moisture, look for waterlogging.
   2. Examine roots for rot (if possible).

1. Germination: 14-21 days
2. Flowering: May to September

The flowering period can be extended by regularly removing spent flower heads.

Multiple times during the flowering period, as needed.

1. Beginning of flowering
2. Full bloom

Harvested plant parts should be dried quickly to preserve their active compounds. Hang to dry or spread on a rack.

Store dry, cool, and dark.

Up to 1-2 years if stored correctly.

1. Drying
2. Tea preparation
3. Extracts
4. Ointments
5. Oils

1. Leaves (young)
2. Flowers

Yarrow is generally considered non-toxic. However, sensitive individuals may experience skin reactions. Do not use during pregnancy without medical advice.

Young leaves can be consumed raw in small quantities. The taste is intensely bitter.

Yarrow is not a woody plant and therefore does not require specific details for woody varieties.

Yarrow is a valuable food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Its seeds also serve as food for some bird species. As part of a naturalistic garden, it can contribute to promoting local biodiversity.