2009
Achillea ptarmica
"Noblessa"
Flowering period: May - September

Height 25 - 50 cm
Spread: 25 - 50 cm
Habit: Spherical
Flower type: Double
Leaf Color Light Green
Placement: Sun
Water Average
Fertilizer need: High
Plant type: Perennial


Class New Entry 2009

ACHILLEA PTARMICA,  'Noblessa'

The newest ptarmica Achillea from Benary, 'Noblessa' truly lives up to its name. This noble beauty sets itself apart from the competition, sporting bright white, fully double flowers over deep green foliage. It does not require vernalization to flower, reducing crop times and energy costs for the grower. Reaching heights of 12" (30 cm), 'Noblessa' provides a dainty appearance in the pot or the garden.

The compact, rounded habit of 'Noblessa' does not require pinching or PGR's, which greatly reduces inputs for the grower. 'Noblessa' possesses an easy to grow nature and will thrive in a variety of conditions. This heat and drought tolerant beauty will also adapt to a variety of soil situations. Pair with Physostegia 'Crystal Peak White', Salvia 'Reference' and Impatiens 'Sweetie White' for a chic, white-themed garden.
         

TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
 
Garden Height:   30 cm  - 11,81 inch 
 
Crop Time:   Non-flowering plugs: 5-6 weeks; flowering pots: 6-7 weeks from potting; crop time from seed to fl ower: 11-13 weeks. Flowering pots including overwintering: 8-10 months 
 
Sell Period:   May-September 
 
Seed Form:   Raw seed 
 
Seed Count:   0 K/g 
 
Sowing Time:   February-April for flowering in May-July, September for flowering in the following year 
 
Sowing Method:   Multiple sow, 2-3 seeds per plug 
 
Germination:   10-15 days at 18-21 °C 64-70°F. Requires light to germinate. Gently tamp seeds down. Keep uniformly moist. From Stage II, reduce the temperature to 15-18 °C 59-64 °F and reduce media moisture level. 
 
Growing On:   5-6 weeks after sowing, transplant into 12-13 cm 4.5'' pots. 
 
Media:   Use a friable, coarse-fibered substrate with a pH of 5.8-6.5. 
 
Photoperiod / Light:   Requires long days (> 12 hours of light) for flower initiation. 
 
Temperature:   13-15 °C 55-59 °F, start ventilating at 20 °C 68 °F. Plants may be overwintered in house at 3-5 °C 37-41 °F or in the field. For outdoor overwintering, cover with a non-woven cloth. 
 
Fertilization:   Requires high nutrient levels. 
 
Cultural Hints:   Roots are sensitive to waterlogging. 
 
* Germination Stages (from seed to finished young plant)
Stage I: Starts with the radicle breaking through the testa. The roots are touching the medium. Ends with fully developed cotyledons.
Stage II: Starts from fully developed cotyledons. Ends with the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair.
Stage III: Starts from the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair and ends with 80% of the young plants being marketable.
Stage IV: All young plants are ready for sale and in the process of being hardened off. This stage lasts about 7 days.

Hint:

The cultural recommendations are based on results from trials conducted under Central European conditions. Different conditions in other parts of the world may lead to deviations in results achieved.

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