Quick Reference:

Annual, a plant that completes it’s life cycle in one season. Seeds germinate in 7 to 21 days at 55 to 60 degrees F. Temperatures above 65 F depress germination. Cover seed with 1/8 inch very fine soil spaced ½ to ¾ inches apart. Grow seedlings as cool as possible, 50 degrees F is ideal. Space the plants 6 inches apart in the garden. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Plant height: 12 to 16 inches.

When and where to plant:

Nemesias are spectacular in cool, maritime areas and mountain gardens where nights remain cool throughout summer. In Alaska it is recommended that nemesia be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost for best performance. Fill a container that has drainage holes with a sterilized potting soil, sprinkle seed on soil surface, cover with 1/8 inch fine soil and water well for good seed-soil contact. Cover container with black plastic to reduce evaporation and keep moist but not soggy wet. Remove plastic as soon as seedlings start to emerge. From when the seedlings break through the soil until they are transplanted it is recommended that the watering be done from below, by setting the container in water until the soil is moist, this reduces the possibility of disease by keeping the tiny stems dry. When seedlings show their first green leaves water from below with a liquid solution of plant food. As soon as the seedlings have 3 or 4 true leaves transplant to individual plastic pots, water with a liquid solution of plant food every two weeks and grow in full sun with cool nights, 50 to 55 degrees F, until the garden is ready. Harden by setting plants outside for 2 to 3 hours per day for a few days before transplanting to the garden. Select a sunny location with moderately rich, well-drained soil, cultivate, enrich with plant food and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost is past.

Care:

Pinch young plants for bushy, dense growth. Keep soil evenly moist and weed-free. Apply plant food when plants are about 4" tall. Easy to grow.