How to Grow Yarrow in New Zealand
A powerhouse companion plant that draws ladybirds, hoverflies and parasitic wasps to prey on garden pests. Drought-tough, long-flowering and a useful compost activator.
When to plant yarrow in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best yarrow varieties for NZ
- Cerise Queen — Bright magenta-pink flat flower heads over ferny aromatic foliage. Drought-tough and long-flowering. (Owairaka Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Pastel Fruits — Soft mix of rose, pink, peach and white. Lovely for cutting and stays in flower for months. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow yarrow
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.2cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow yarrow near: Brassicas, Tomato, Herbs, Fruit trees.
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Yarrow plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant yarrow in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy yarrow seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Owairaka Seeds, Kings Seeds.