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Growing Yarrow - Poor Substrate, Sunny Location or Partial Shade, Minimal Watering

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an unpretentious perennial that thrives in conditions where many other plants would struggle. Its cultivation is ideal for beginner gardeners and anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant for their garden or balcony.

Substrate and Soil Requirements

Yarrow prefers poor to moderately nutrient-rich substrate. In overly fertile soil, it grows too lush, becomes prone to lodging, and produces fewer flowers. The ideal substrate is:

Well-draining and sandy
With neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5)
Without excessive organic matter content
Poor in nitrogen

For container growing, use a mixture of universal substrate with sand or perlite in a 1:1 ratio to ensure good drainage.

Light Requirements - Sun and Partial Shade

Yarrow is most at home in full sun, where it develops the most flowers and the strongest aroma. However, it can also handle partial shade, though in shadier locations:

It produces fewer flowers
The stems grow taller and weaker
Essential oil content in the leaves decreases

The ideal location is a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering - Less is More

Yarrow is extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Its deep root system allows it to draw water from lower soil layers. Watering guidelines:

Water only during prolonged drought
Allow the substrate to dry out completely between waterings
Avoid waterlogging - yarrow does not tolerate standing water
In containers, water sparingly, about once a week

Overwatering is the most common cause of yarrow cultivation failure - it leads to root rot and fungal diseases.

Planting and Maintenance

Plant yarrow in spring or autumn, spacing plants 30-40 cm apart. After flowering, trim the plant to promote new growth and prevent self-seeding. Yarrow is winter hardy and requires no special protection during cold periods.

Fertilizing is not necessary - excess nutrients reduce flowering quality and the plant's medicinal properties.

YARROW

Yarrow, also known by the folk name "goose tail". The flowers and aerial parts of the plant are used. It contains high amounts of active essential oils, bitter compounds, tannins, and potassium. Yarrow relieves cramps, especially in the lower abdomen, and has a positive effect on stomach nausea. The tea infusion has a diuretic effect and prevents swelling, particularly useful for gout. Yarrow tea also promotes blood circulation. A bath helps with hemorrhoids, relieves cramps, and soothes pain in rheumatism. Some people may experience an allergic reaction when yarrow comes into contact with the skin, and long-term use may be toxic.

Tea: Pour 1 teaspoon of yarrow with a cup of hot water, let it steep for 10 minutes, and strain. Do not drink more than 2 cups per day, not for more than 6 weeks at a time. Tea made with 2 parts yarrow and 1 part hawthorn helps improve blood circulation and increase concentration.

Bath: Pour 1 liter of hot water over two handfuls of the herb and let the mixture stand for several hours. Then strain the decoction and add it to the bath. The bath should last about 10 minutes.