How to Harvest Yarrow Seeds

Are you looking for a new addition to your wildflower garden or herbal remedy collection? Yarrow, also known as Achillea millefolium, is a versatile and hardy plant that can easily be grown from seed.

How to harvest yarrow seeds is a straightforward and rewarding process that allows gardeners to grow this hardy and versatile plant year after year. Yarrow, known for its feathery leaves and clusters of small, vibrant flowers, is not only ornamental but also valued for its medicinal properties and ability to attract pollinators. Collecting seeds at the right time ensures their quality and viability, making it easier to propagate the plant for future seasons.

This guide will walk you through the steps and tips for effectively harvesting yarrow seeds to enhance your garden’s beauty and biodiversity.

What Are the Benefits of Harvesting Yarrow Seeds?

Yarrow seeds have several benefits that make them worth harvesting. Some of these benefits include:

• Preserving Biodiversity: By collecting yarrow seeds, you can help preserve the genetic diversity of this essential plant species.
• Maintaining a Sustainable Garden: Harvesting and saving your seeds reduces the need to buy new plants or seeds every year, making your garden more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
• Sharing with Others: If you have an abundance of yarrow seeds, you can share them with friends and family or participate in local seed exchanges to spread this beautiful plant’s beauty and health benefits.
• Using for Medicinal Purposes: Yarrow has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as wounds, inflammation, and digestive issues. By growing and harvesting your yarrow, you have access to a natural remedy that is free from harmful chemicals.
• Attracting Pollinators: Yarrow is a favorite among bees and other pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers. By planting yarrow in your garden, you are helping to support the declining population of these important insects.

What Will You Need?

Here are a few things you will need to successfully grow yarrow:

• Seeds or Seedlings: Yarrow can be grown from seeds or purchased as seedlings. If starting from seeds, it is best to start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and then transplant them outside once the weather warms up.
• Well-drained Soil: Yarrow prefers well-drained soil and can be planted in various types of soil, including loamy, sandy, and even poor soils. It also does well in both acidic and alkaline soils.
• Full Sunlight: Yarrow thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
• Watering: Yarrow is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Yarrow does not require much fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the growing season.

10 Easy Steps on How to Harvest Yarrow Seeds

Step 1. Identify Mature Flowers

Begin by locating yarrow plants with fully mature flowers. Mature flowers are those that have turned from vibrant colors to a faded beige or brown shade, indicating that they have reached their seed-producing stage. Check the flower heads carefully to ensure that the tiny seeds have developed fully. It’s best to harvest on a dry day when the weather is clear, as moisture can affect the seed quality and storage.

Step 2. Choose a Dry Day

Choose a day with clear weather and low humidity to harvest the seeds. Dry conditions help prevent mold or mildew from forming on the seeds, ensuring they remain viable for planting. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal, as the temperature is cooler, but ensure the plants are free from dew or rainwater before collecting the seeds.

Step 3. Cut the Flower Heads

Using a pair of clean, sharp scissors or garden shears, carefully cut the flower heads from the plant once they are fully mature and dry. It’s important to check that the flowers or seed pods have started to turn brown and feel dry to the touch, as this indicates they are ready for harvesting. Leave a small portion of the stem attached to each flower head to make handling easier. Be gentle during this process to avoid scattering the seeds prematurely. Once cut, place the flower heads into a paper bag or a breathable container to ensure proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

Step 4. Place in a Paper Bag

Gently place the harvested flower heads or seed pods into a clean paper bag. Avoid overfilling the bag, as overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and an increased risk of mold. Fold the top of the bag loosely to allow airflow while keeping the contents secure. Store the bag in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to ensure the seeds have ample time to fully dry. Shake the bag occasionally to help loosen the seeds from the pods, facilitating easier collection later.

Step 5. Dry the Flower Heads

Place the bag or the individual flower heads on a flat, clean surface lined with paper towels or mesh screens to further aid the drying process. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and out of direct sunlight, as excessive heat can damage the seeds or alter their viability. Check the flower heads daily, turning them gently to promote even drying and prevent moisture retention. The drying process can take one to two weeks, depending on the humidity levels in your environment. Once the flower heads are completely dry and brittle to the touch, they are ready for seed extraction and storage.

Step 6. Extract the Seeds

Using your hands or a small tool, gently rub or shake the dried flower heads over a clean surface, such as a tray or sheet of paper, to release the seeds. Be careful not to use excessive force, as this could damage the seeds. Once the seeds are separated, sift through them to remove any remaining plant debris or chaff. For best results, ensure the seeds are clean and free from fragments before moving to the storage process.

Step 7. Separate Seeds from Debris

To separate the seeds from debris, use a fine mesh sieve or a light breeze to assist in removing smaller particles and chaff. Gently shake the seeds in the sieve or allow the wind to carry away lighter debris while keeping the heavier seeds in place. Alternatively, you can use your hands to manually sort and clean the seeds. This step ensures the seeds are as pure as possible, preparing them for successful storage and future use.

Step 8. Store the Seeds

To store the seeds effectively, ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold or spoilage. Place the seeds in airtight containers, such as glass jars or sealed plastic bags, to protect them from moisture and pests. Label the containers with the seed type and collection date for easy identification. Store the containers in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a refrigerator or a dedicated seed storage box, to preserve their viability. Properly stored seeds can remain viable for several years, ensuring a successful planting season when needed.

Step 9. Keep in a Cool, Dry Place

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the viability of seeds. After placing them in airtight containers, choose a storage location that minimizes temperature fluctuations and humidity. A consistent environment, such as a pantry, a cellar, or even a refrigerator set to a low humidity level, is ideal. Avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight or dampness, as these can compromise seed quality. Regularly check on the stored seeds to ensure conditions remain optimal, and address any issues swiftly to protect your seed supply for future planting.

Step 10. Mark the Harvest Year

Labeling your seed storage containers with the harvest year is an essential step to maintain an organized seed collection. This practice helps you monitor the age of your seeds and prioritize using older seeds before they lose viability. Use durable labels or a permanent marker to note the harvest year on each container. Properly marked seeds make it easier to plan your planting schedule and ensure the best germination results.

By following these ten steps, you can successfully store your seeds and maintain high-quality, viable seeds for years to come.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Harvesting Too Early 

  Avoid collecting yarrow seeds before they are fully mature. Immature seeds may not germinate properly or at all. Wait until the seed heads are dry and begin to turn brown before harvesting.

2. Ignoring Weather Conditions 

  Do not harvest seeds immediately after a rainstorm or when the plants are wet. Moisture can lead to mold or spoilage during seed storage. Always choose a dry, sunny day for seed collection.

3. Using Dirty Tools or Containers 

  Avoid using unclean scissors, pruners, or storage containers, as contaminants can harm the seeds. Ensure all tools and containers are sterilized before use to maintain the quality of your seeds.

4. Discarding Seed Heads Carelessly 

  Do not discard seed heads without carefully separating and collecting the seeds. Valuable seeds may be wasted if you handle the harvested plants too roughly or without proper attention to detail.

5. Storing Seeds in Improper Conditions 

  Avoid storing yarrow seeds in high humidity, direct sunlight, or warm areas. These conditions can degrade seed quality. Always keep seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place to maximize their shelf life and germination potential.

Conclusion

How to harvest yarrow seeds requires attention to timing, technique, and storage.

Begin by identifying mature seed heads that are dry and brittle to ensure viable seeds. Handle the seed heads carefully when collecting, as rough handling may cause seeds to scatter or become damaged. Once collected, clean and separate the seeds thoroughly to remove debris. Finally, store the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain their quality and viability for future planting.

By following these steps, you can successfully harvest and preserve yarrow seeds for propagation.