Nemesia

Nemesias are colourful annuals and short-lived perennials, bearing wonderfully fragrant, colourful flowers from late spring right through to autumn.

Nemesias originate from South Africa and are frost-tender.

They flower in a range of colours, including orange, red, pink, purple, blue, and white, often with contrasting centres. Nemesias tend to be bushy and compact, suitable for growing at the front of a border or in pots, or trailing and therefore more suited to hanging baskets.

Sow Nemesia seed indoors from February to April on the surface of a good quality seed compost in modules, and cover the seeds with a very fine sprinkling of vermiculite, or compost. Place the seed tray in a propagator or seal it inside a polythene bag, keeping the soil damp but not wet until gemination. Do not exclude light as this aids germination.

When seedlings are large enough to handle with the rootball filling the mudule, transplant into 9cm pots and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors.

When Nemesia plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors in full sun in any moist, well drained soil .

Alternatively, direct sow the seeds where they are to flower in May. In a weed free area, sow seed thinly in drills 3mm deep. After germination and when the plants are large enough to handle, thin then to 30cm apart. Water regularly, until the plants are established.

After first flowering, cut back to 4-5cm and you should get a second flush. 

TOP TIP

Germination may be erratic in temperatures above 18°C.