Achillea

Growing Temperature:

60-65° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.5-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.5 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed with 50-75 ppm at every other watering. Do not over-fertilize, achillea are not heavy feeders.

For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

Beneficial at 10 weeks of temperatures below 40° F.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids are the most common pest. Thrips, spider mites, root-knot nematode, slugs, Asiatic garden beetle, caterpillars, oriental beetle can also be an issue.

Botrytis, Crown gall, powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia and other stem and root rots are the main diseases to watch out for.

Potting & Timing:

Root Trimming: Roots may be trimmed to fit pot.
Some growers pinch back the original shoot (from a liner) after the roots have formed to encourage branching.

Moisture:

Allow plants to dry thoroughly between waterings.

Planting Level:

Plant crown even with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Multiple applications are typically needed to adequately control height of larger varieties. B-Nine (Daminozide) at 2,500 ppm, tank mixtures of B-Nine at 2000 ppm and Sumagic (Uniconazole) at 3 ppm, or Sumagic alone at 5-10 ppm are all effective.

Lighting:

Bulk plants under short days to prevent early flowering. Achillea flower best under long days.