Achillea millefolium 'Colorado' is a vigorous growing, long-flowering yarrow that can be used as a fresh and/or dried cut flower and as a bedding plant. This variety was introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 1993 and has been grown successfully in trials throughout the United States and Europe.

Plants produce flat heads of tightly clustered flowers. Colors include darker shades of red, pink and apricot as well as bright shades of yellow, terra-cotta beige and only a few whites compared to 'Summer Pastels.' The flowers attract butterflies and can also be dried for use as everlastings.

Dozens of flowers with 18- to 24-inch stems can be harvested over a three- to four-month period. Flowering can be extended for a longer period if plants are cut back to 4-6 inches above ground level at midseason. Plants should begin to reflower in five to seven weeks.

Plants can also be used in the landscape, as they produce both attractive flowers and frondlike, aromatic foliage. 'Colorado' can be planted together with Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus,' Pardancanda norrisii 'Dazzler,' Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knockout' and Polemonium boreale 'Heavenly Habit.'

Avoid placing plants in moist locations outdoors. They prefer infertile, well-drained soils in areas receiving full sun.

'Colorado' is an easy perennial to grow. From sow to flower in 4 1/2-inch pots takes three months.

Sow three to five seeds per 128- or 288-plug cell containing a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 5.8-6.8. Do not cover the seed, but be sure there is good contact between the seed and medium. Seed germinates rapidly in five to seven days and should be kept constantly moist -- not wet. Germination temperature is 68F. After germination, reduce temperature to 60F-65F.

Stage 2 seedlings can be fertilized once or twice per week with 50-75 parts per million nitrogen, 10-20 ppm phosphorus and 50-75 ppm potassium. In stages 3 and 4, fertilize seedlings one to two times per week with 100-150 ppm nitrogen, 10-20 ppm phosphorus and 100-150 ppm potassium.

After eight weeks, 128-size plugs can be transplanted and will quickly fill out a 4 1/2-inch pot in four more weeks. Though a vernalization (cool temperature) treatment is not required for flowering, supplemental lighting can hasten flowering in six to 10 weeks. Use one incandescent lamp for every 150 square feet of production space for 15-18 hours.

For more: Jelitto Perennial Seeds, 125 Chenoweth Lane, Louisville, KY 40207; (502) 895-0807; fax (502) 895-3934; http://www.jelitto.com

SPECIFICS:
Name: Achillea millefolium 'Colorado'
Crop timing: From sowing to flower takes three months in 4 1/2-inch pots.
Grower benefits: Easy to grow, can be sold as cut or perennial bedding plant.
Selling points: Use as fresh or dried cut flower and/or landscape plant with attractive, aromatic foliage. Flowers for three- to four-month period producing a wide range of flower colors. Plants can be cut back to permit reflowering. Can be used as accent plant or can be combined with other perennials in the landscape. Full sun plant that thrives in less than ideal growing conditions.

© 1999 Branch-Smith Publishing