Achillea millefolium Summer Berries | Common Yarrow Seeds

Achillea millefolium ‘Summer Berries’ is a hardy perennial yarrow grown from seed for its beautiful flat flower clusters in a rich mixture of raspberry, berry-red, rose, coral, peach, blush and soft creamy tones. With an early sowing, this perennial can flower in its first year, producing strong stems and masses of small flowers that are excellent for cutting, perennial borders and pollinator-friendly gardens.

The characteristic flat-topped flower heads rise above finely divided, feathery foliage and provide both colour and texture throughout summer. Once established, yarrow is a robust, low-maintenance perennial that returns year after year.

Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
• Variety: Summer Berries
• Common Name: Common Yarrow
• Life Cycle: Hardy perennial
• Flower Colour: Mix of raspberry, berry-red, rose, coral, peach, blush and creamy tones
• Flower Type: Flat clusters of numerous small flowers
• Plant Height: Approx. 60–75 cm
• Plant Spacing: Approx. 23–30 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Flowering Season: Summer to early autumn
• Days to Flower: Approx. 100–120 days under suitable conditions
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Best For: Cut flowers, perennial borders, naturalistic planting and pollinator gardens

A Beautiful Mix of Berry & Pastel Shades

Summer Berries is particularly attractive for its wide range of warm, sophisticated colours.

Plants can produce flowers in shades of raspberry, berry red, rose, coral, peach, blush and soft cream, creating a naturally varied display rather than one uniform colour.

This makes Summer Berries especially useful for cutting gardens, where its flat flower heads provide an interesting contrast to round or spire-shaped flowers.

Flowers in the First Year

Although Achillea millefolium is a perennial, Summer Berries can flower in its first year when started sufficiently early.

Depending on growing conditions, allow approximately 100–120 days to flowering.

Once established, plants are hardy perennials and can return in subsequent seasons, generally flowering earlier than during their first year.

When to Sow

For first-year flowers, start seeds indoors approximately 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost.

A useful sowing schedule is:

Indoors: February–April
Direct sowing: March–May
Autumn sowing: August–October

Autumn sowing is also possible where conditions allow the young plants to establish before winter.

How to Sow Achillea Seeds

Achillea seeds are small and require light for germination.

Fill trays or cells with a fine, moist, well-drained seed-starting substrate.

Sow the seeds on the surface and gently press them against the substrate.

Do not cover the seeds with soil, or cover only extremely lightly, as light is important for germination.

Maintain a temperature of approximately 15–18°C and keep the substrate evenly moist while the seeds germinate.

Bottom watering can be particularly useful because it reduces disturbance of the tiny surface-sown seeds.

Growing the Seedlings

After germination, provide the seedlings with plenty of light and good air circulation.

Keep the substrate moderately moist but avoid keeping it constantly wet.

Once the seedlings are sufficiently developed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting into their final position.

Transplant outdoors after the risk of severe frost has passed.

Planting & Growing

Plant Summer Berries in full sun for the strongest growth and best flowering.

Space plants approximately 23–30 cm apart.

Achillea prefers well-drained soil and, once established, is a relatively easy-care perennial. Avoid consistently wet or waterlogged growing conditions.

Pinching is not necessary.

The plants form attractive feathery foliage followed by tall stems carrying broad, flat flower clusters throughout summer.

Excellent for Pollinators

The flat flower heads are formed from masses of tiny individual flowers and provide an excellent landing platform for visiting insects.

Achillea is particularly valuable in pollinator-friendly and naturalistic gardens, where its long flowering period combines ornamental value with a useful food source for beneficial insects.

Harvesting for Cut Flowers

For the best vase performance, harvest when approximately three-quarters of the small florets within the flower head are open.

Avoid cutting the flower heads too early. Immature stems can wilt after harvest and may not recover properly.

Cut during the cooler part of the day and place the stems immediately into clean water.

Achillea is useful both as a fresh cut flower and for dried floral work, with its flat flower heads providing an excellent structural element in arrangements.

Why Grow Achillea Summer Berries?

Hardy perennial • Flowers in the first year from an early sowing • Raspberry, coral, peach, blush and creamy shades • Approx. 60–75 cm tall • Excellent cut flower • Suitable for drying • Long summer flowering • Loved by pollinators • No pinching required • Easy-care once established

Summer Berries is an excellent choice for growers looking for a reliable perennial cut flower with a sophisticated range of warm colours and beautiful flat flower heads.