How to Grow Yarrow in Australia
A cool-season flower crop for the home garden
Growing your own Yarrow is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Free garden asset, attracts beneficial insects and predatory wasps that naturally control pests across the whole garden.
This guide covers when to plant Yarrow in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Yarrow is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Yarrow full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 40 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 12 and 22 degrees.
Powerhouse companion plant, attracts ladybirds, hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests. Drought-tough, long-flowering. Compost activator. White, yellow and pink forms.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 2 L per plant every 7 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Yarrow is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Dry flower heads and store in a sealed jar, up to 12 months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, yarrow is good dried flowers and leaves brewed as herbal tea, young leaves occasionally used in salads (use sparingly, bitter), flowers used as a garnish and infused into oils for topical use. Nutritionally: powerful companion plant attracts beneficial insects and traditional medicinal herb for wellness.
Companion Planting
Yarrow grows well alongside Brassicas, Tomato, Herbs and Fruit trees. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Yarrow Growing
Add yarrow to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yarrow in Australia?
Yarrow is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Yarrow take to grow?
Yarrow is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Yarrow in a pot?
Yes. Yarrow grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Yarrow need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Yarrow in the Plant Library
