William L. Rose wrote:
I have two yarrow (Achillea millefolium) that I bought last year as
plants. This year one is in the ground and the other not far away in a
pot. In the same location I am growing corn and pumpkin and butternut
squash. The soil is amended clay, and the pot is some cheap potting
soil. Neither have bloomed. They both have been fertilized with Miracle
Grow tomato formula (12-18-18 or something like that). Any words of
wisdom, encouragement, excoriation?
- Bill

Bill, you don't say anything about your location. Achillea millefolium
is a California native plant. It grows wild here in full sun, in a
climate with no summer rain at all. Achillea grows in soils which are
quite low in nitrogen and organic matter. Granted, it doesn't look
quite as nice in every wild location as it does in a garden -- some of
it is pretty scruffy, and some of it goes summer-dormant. But Achillea
is tough, tough, tough.

I don't think you will HARM Achillea with water and fertilizer. I have
some Achillea volunteers in the middle of my vegetable garden, and they
look great.

As for the flowering, I have started Achillea from seed. It's easy.
Many plants do not flower the first year. I don't think that your lack
of care has anything to do with your lack of flowers. Wait until next
year, and see if you get flowers then.

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