Grow Red Yarrow from fresh Achillea millefolium rubra flower seeds. Red Yarrow will produce clusters of ruby red to deep magenta colored flowers. Mature plants will reach a height of about 12 to 30 inches tall and will spread 18 to 24 inches wide. Red Yarrow flowers are known to attract an array of beneficial insects, such as: butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs and hummingbirds.
Yarrow plants will form single stems that branch off into smaller stems. Each smaller stem can develop clusters of flowers, ranging anywhere from 15 to 50 blooms per cluster. The leaves look similar to a feather, growing in a spiral formation. The Achillea plant can often be seen in floral arrangements and bouquets for their thick, colorful blooms and attractive foliage.
Grown as a perennial flowering plant, Red Yarrow will develop a deep root system, later returning the following year after all danger of frost has passed. The plants will flower during the Spring and summer months of May and June, later wilting. Greatly used in borders, flower beds and by the masses in a naturalized setting.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Red
- Height: 12” to 30″ Tall
- Width: 18″ to 24″ Spread
- Season: Perennial
- Zones: 4 to 9
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Yarrow Seeds can be sown directly in the garden or indoors, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, sowing the tiny white seeds right on the surface of the soil. Do not cover the tiny seeds as they will require light to properly germinate. Direct sow your seeds or transplant your seedlings into the garden once all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Yarrow should be placed in an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day. They will thrive in temperatures of 68F or above. They are not picky about soil and will do surprisingly well in dry, to medium moist conditions. Keep in mind however that a well drained soil is best. Adding compost to areas of hard, compact soil is recommended. Water daily with a mist setting until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Your Red Yarrow seeds will begin to germinate within 7 to 21 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of 12 to 30 inches tall and will spread 18 to 24 inches wide. Each plant can be spaced 18 to 20 inches apart from one another. Once established, you will enjoy the beautiful and dense clusters of Red Yarrow flowers. Each plant can produce hundreds of blooms in the Spring and Summer months of May & June.