Almost every part of the yarrow plant can be used in one way or another. If you want to keep your harvest around for the long haul, drying the flowers, leaves, or even the whole stalk is definitely the way to go.
Using Dried Flower Heads as Winter Decor
Even though yarrow is a hardy perennial, the parts above ground will naturally wither away once fall hits. Don’t worry, though—it’ll push out fresh new growth come spring! In the meantime, those dried-up flower heads look surprisingly beautiful in a garden bed. I actually love leaving them standing through the fall and winter for a bit of structural interest; you can just clear them out when you’re doing your spring cleanup.
When is the Best Time to Harvest?
If you’re planning to dry the flowers, you’ll obviously want to pick them during their blooming season. Generally, July through September is the sweet spot for harvesting any part of the plant. This is when the essential oils and beneficial compounds are at their peak concentration, ensuring that even after they’re dried, they’ll still have that wonderful fragrance and potency.
Pro tip: Try to cut your yarrow right after the first blooms open. If you’re lucky, this can actually encourage the plant to put out a second flush of flowers later in the same year!
How to Dry Your Yarrow
Whatever you do, avoid drying your yarrow in direct sunlight or a hot oven. High heat and UV rays will cause those fragrant, healthy essential oils to evaporate, leaving you with a plant that’s lost most of its magic.
Instead, go for a gentle air-drying method in a dry, well-ventilated spot. You can either tie the stems into small bundles and hang them upside down, or spread the pieces out in a single layer on a flat surface like a tray. The key here is good air circulation—it’s much better for preserving the natural aromas and nutrients than blasting them with sun.
You’ll know they’re done when the leaves and flowers crumble easily between your fingers. If they still feel a little bendy or damp, give them more time. Once they’re bone-dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Ways to Use Your Dried Yarrow
Once you’ve got your stash of dried yarrow, there are so many ways to use it:
- Use the dried stalks for rustic home decor or wreaths.
- Crumble the leaves and flowers to season salads, soups, or sauces.
- Use it as a natural remedy by brewing it into teas, making extracts, or adding it to a soothing herbal bath.
