Yarrow
Achillea
An ornamental plant, planted March to June, or sown January to May.
In September: lift and divide the yarrow. If your skin is sensitive, wear gloves: in rare cases it causes a skin rash.
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Yarrow, month by month
Bar: the usual months. Sprout: this month.
| Sowing, planting or job | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | 2027Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow under cover. | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none | none | none |
| Sow outdoors. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | none | none | none |
| Plant out. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | none | none |
| Plant a pot-grown yarrow. | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none |
| Cut back the yarrow. | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none |
| Lift and divide the yarrow. | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none |
| Deadhead the yarrow. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual |
What to do, and when
The usual months for a UK garden. Your own plan gives the week.
Handle it with care
If your skin is sensitive, wear gloves: in rare cases it causes a skin rash.
Weaker source: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (outside the UK).
Sowing and planting
Sow under cover January to March, 5mm deep. Moderate source: Mr Fothergill’s.
Sow outdoors April to May, 0.5cm deep, 45cm apart. Moderate source: Mr Fothergill’s.
Plant out May to June, 45cm apart. Moderate source: Mr Fothergill’s.
Plant a pot-grown yarrow March to May, 30 to 45cm apart. Moderate sources: Gardeners’ World and Marshalls.
Cut back the yarrow
With a knife, shears or secateurs, cut old stems close to the base, avoiding any new shoots.
Usually March to May. Moderate source: RHS.
Lift and divide the yarrow
Every 3 to 5 years, not every year.
Usually March to May, and September to November. Moderate source: Hayloft.
Deadhead the yarrow
Usually July to August. Moderate source: Hayloft.
What the source words mean
Moderate: another trusted UK source, or the RHS on its group.Weaker: a blog, a forum, a small website or a page from outside the UK. Treat it as a guide.
Every line above names the page it comes from. Where we found no good source for a job, we left it out. Where the name “Yarrow” comes from.