Tutti Frutti is the first series of Achillea on the market in four distinct colors. These vigorous, mound-forming yarrows were bred for compact habit, strong stature and flower uniformity. They’re great for summer production outdoors.
Tutti Frutti cultivars produce large, colorful corymbs on sturdy, compact stems. Plants are considered maintenance free.
The series was bred by K. Sahin in the
The series includes Apricot Delight, whose chameleonlike apricot flower color is more vibrant outdoors than inside the greenhouse; Pink Grapefruit, with rose flowers that fade to light rose; Pomegranate, a striking magenta color unlike any other Achillea; and Wonderful Wampee, whose pale-pink color in the greenhouse is a much clearer pink outside. Wonderful Wampee is similar in flowering to Achillea ‘Apple Blossom,’ but it exceeds ‘Apple Blossom’ in branching and habit.
Culture notes
Transplant liners into a 6- to 8-inch pot with one cell per pot. Use a porous growing medium with good drainage.
The series is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Pink Grapefruit successfully overwintered 100 percent during winter 2005-06 in first-year trials at
Vernalization is not required for flowering; however, plants will flower earlier with vernalization. For example, Apricot Delight vernalized for 10 weeks flowered 11 weeks after transplanting a 72-cell liner. Unvernalized liners flowered in 12 weeks.
Recommended growing-on medium pH is 5.5-6.5. Suggested medium EC is 1.5 to 3.
While actively growing, plants perform well with a constant liquid feed of 150 parts per million nitrogen fertilizer. Grow plants on the dry side.
Achillea is a facultative long-day plant and will flower under any photoperiod, according to
If plants are finishing in the greenhouse, provide 68°F night temperature with venting at 72°F.
Plant growth regulators are not necessary unless market conditions compel you to hold plants in smaller pots. No growth regulators have been trialed for this crop, according to Blooms of Bressingham.
Pinching is not necessary. Plants naturally bloom for an extended stretch (June to August), After the first flush of flowering, plants can be cut back and they will reflower.
In the garden, plants accept full sun.
Watch for aphids. No common disease problems have been reported.
For more: Blooms of Bressingham, (800) 321-9573; www.bobna.com.
Specifics
Name: Achillea millefolium Tutti Frutti series
Family: Compositae.
Description: Easy-care perennial with large, colorful corymbs on sturdy, compact stems. Four distinct colors comprise the series.
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Landscape uses: Perennial beds, borders, large planters and combination pots.
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