GOLD YARROW

Native to the Caucasus mountains, Gold Yarrow has long been cultivated because of its fragrant fern-like foliage, and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Gold Yarrow grows taller and blooms sooner than the other colors of Yarrow, and it is not as invasive. It is a perfect border plant, and is also beautiful en masse.

Sowing: Direct sow the seed in fall or early spring; fall planted seed will remain dormant until spring. To start the seeds indoors, plant them on the surface of the soil since they need light to germinate. Keep the soil temperature at 65-75 degrees F, but out of the hottest rays of sunlight.

Growing: While the young plants should be watered to help them establish a deep root system, too much watering of mature plants can cause stem and root rot or mildew. This species grows best in sandy or well drained soil, and tolerates drought conditions. Since yarrow tends to flop over in fertile soil or shade, staking may be needed; this also protects the plant’s fragile stems in high winds. Deadhead the wilted blossoms often for continued blooming. After the plant has finished blooming, cut the plant down to its lower leaves for healthy spring growth. When the plant becomes 3-4 years old, it will benefit from being dug up and divided in the early spring or fall. Because yarrow can become invasive through the spread of roots and its reseeding habit, care should be taken to control the spread of the plant. This can be done by putting a barrier underground surrounding the plant’s roots, or by growing the plant in large container. This plant attracts butterflies and beneficial insects as well as repelling deer and rabbits, and grows well in borders or large containers. As a companion plant with herbs, it increases their fragrance, flavor, and essential oils.

Harvesting: Gather leaves and flowers as soon as they mature. Harvest the whole stem as soon as it begins to bloom; bundle the stems and hang them upside down to dry away from direct sunlight. Yarrow blossoms make good cut flowers, and when dried they hold their color well. Keep in mind that if the flowers have been open for more than a day, they will go to seed as they dry, so it is best to cut them when fresh for drying. Individual blossoms or leaves can also be harvested and spread out to dry in a protected location.

Seed Saving: We are not certain if Gold Yarrow comes true from seed, but if you want to try it, this would be the process: Allow the flower heads to mature and begin to dry; the stem will start to turn brown. Remove the heads and spread them out to dry out of direct sunlight, then rub them lightly to release the seeds. The fluff can be removed from the seeds by scrubbing them over a metal screen or running them through a hammer mill. The fluff can be blown off with a fanning mill. Store the seed in a cool, dark place.

Common Names: Fernleaf Yarrow, Fern-Leaved Yarrow, Yarrow, Cloth-Of-Gold, Nosebleed

Latin Name: Achillea filipendulina

Species Origin: Caucasus Mountains

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 175,000

Seeds for 100′ Row: 0.005 Oz

Seeds for 1 Acre: 0.5 Oz

Planting Season: Start In Spring

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Germination Temp: 65F-75F

Germination Days: 10-14 Days

Planting Depth: 0 Inches

Planting Spacing: 16 Inches

Thinned Spacing: 16 Inches

Row Spacing: 32 Inches

Days to Maturity: 120 Days

Sunlight: Full Sun

Soil: Medium, Light, Dry

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Late Spring, Early Summer

Harvest Season: Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Attracts Butterflies, Aromatic, Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Deer Resistant

Pests: Gophers

Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Fungus