Guide to Cultivating Yarrow in Potted Plants
Yarrow, a hardy and versatile plant, is an excellent choice for container gardening. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow and care for yarrow in pots.
Soil Requirements
Yarrow thrives in well-drained, low-fertility soil that mimics its natural prairie or Mediterranean conditions. Use a loose, well-aerated potting mix for containers, ideally with some sand or compost to improve drainage if your soil is heavy or clayey[5]. Overly rich or moist soil may cause weak growth or root rot.
Light Requirements
Yarrow requires full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This ensures strong growth and prolific blooming[3][5].
Fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly because yarrow does not need rich soil. For container-grown plants, use a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for containers weekly or as directed. Alternating with organic options such as fish emulsion or compost teas can boost health without overfeeding[2][4].
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Deep watering encourages root growth and drought tolerance while avoiding waterlogged soil that harms yarrow[4][5].
Harvesting Tips
- Harvest yarrow before rain to avoid soggy flowers that are harder to dry.
- Pick regularly and cut stems at varying heights to encourage continuous blooming and maintain fullness.
- Avoid over-harvesting young plants; let them establish first.
- Use sharp scissors or pruners for clean cuts to prevent plant stress[1].
Additional Uses
Yarrow’s flowers and leaves are popular for: - Making calming herbal teas - Craft projects like dried flower arrangements - Medicinal uses such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory preparations - Ornamental purposes in container gardens for its flat clusters of blooms and fine foliage[1][3][5].
Starting Yarrow in Containers
There are two ways to start growing yarrow: buying an established plant or starting from seed. If you choose to start from seed, yarrow seeds need light to germinate and can take up to three weeks[6]. A potting mix of compost, coir, and perlite can be used for growing yarrow.
Yarrow reaches a maximum height of between 20 to 40 inches (.5 to 1 m) during the growing season[1]. It is both a perennial and extremely hardy, making it a great addition to your container garden.
Yarrow is edible and acts as a great pest deterrent, while also having medicinal properties[7]. The leaves and stems of yarrow are best used in salads and soups, while flowers can be dried and used in tea. Hanging a stem or cluster of yarrow flowers upside down in a room can release its aroma[8].
Cultivating yarrow in containers with these methods will result in a healthy, productive plant suited for both aesthetic and practical uses.
Daniel Mowinski, a container gardening expert, writes about growing yarrow and other plants on his blog Urban Turnip[9]. By following his advice, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of yarrow in your own container garden.
References: 1. Gardening Know How 2. Garden Myths 3. The Spruce 4. The Old Farmer's Almanac 5. HGTV 6. Almanac 7. Medicinal Herb Info 8. Acupuncture Today 9. Urban Turnip
Yarrow, thriving in low-fertility soil mixed with compost or a potting mix, is a suitable choice for home-and-garden enthusiasts keen on container gardening with its versatile and hardy nature. In addition to this, the vibrant flat clusters of blooms and fine foliage make yarrow an attractive addition to one's home-and-garden lifestyle when cultivated in containers.
