Limonium 'Fortress Apricot'
Trial: Annual
Year Trialed: 1998
Good Qualities:
Interesting color variation (3); Statice is always a good seller; Color was pleasant when harvested early while blooms still opening - tended towards yellow more than apricot; Transplants well; Bushy habit; Strong stems; Good strong growth
Problems:
Poor color - dull (5); Poor germination; Leaf disease susceptibility; Tended to grow slowly; Blooms were easily sun bleached, browned out; Poor stem strength; Poor vigor; Did not dry well - faded to mucky brown/yellow; Not much demand for this color; Very poor yield; Color varied from dark to washed out (gross); Do not like Statice dried - too brittle, breaks easy- better in fresh market
Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating (1) | Repeat Again Rating (1) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 11.3 | 18.5 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 4.1 |
(1) 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Supplier
PanAmerican Seed
P.O. Box 438
West Chicago, IL 60186
Comments:
'QIS Apricot' has strong color and better disease resistance; 'Sunset' strain is far superior to 'Fortress'; Some of the yellow color Statice does the same; Similar to Parks and Shades; Dries well - not much of a market for this color; We have grown this series many times, always a good strong crop.