Nemesias are good plants to feature in planters. The tubular flowers are available in various hues that make a bold statement on a porch or patio space. Many of the varieties are upright and best suited to containers placed on steps or a tabletop. Some types, like Sunsatia Lemon® and Sunsatia® Cranberry Red, trail and shine in a hanging basket.
Nemesia is low maintenance, but it requires a bit more care in a pot to thrive and bloom. It grows best in mild summer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F and will enter summer dormancy when nighttime temps stay above 75°F. This South African native loves sunshine, but will struggle in intense afternoon sun. Move pots to a cooler location in midsummer to keep plants growing and blooming until fall.
Planting Nemesia in Pots
Plant Nemesia in pots during the spring when the weather warms up. Use fertile potting soil that is slightly acidic and allows drainage. The container can be any material, but it is important that the container have drainage holes so that excess water can run through the pot. Place potted Nemesia in partial to full sun.
Best Soil For Nemesia in Pots
Nemesia grows best in a slightly acidic and rich potting mix. You can enrich the potting soil with organic compost and add perlite for drainage. The soil should retain moisture but allow excess water to drain. Add light mulching material, like straw, around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Caring For Nemesia in Planters
Nemesia is an easy-care plant that prefers partial to full sun and rich, slightly acidic soil. This is a thirsty plant that needs water on a routine schedule, sometimes as often as daily during the heat of summer. To keep the plant from going dormant during hot weather, move the pot to a cooler location with protection from hot afternoon sun. Alternatively, in warm climates, grow this plant as a winter annual.
Watering Nemesia in Pots
Water potted Nemesia when the top couple inches of soil are dry to the touch. Rain will help sustain the plant. Do not water potted Nemesia if the soil is still damp. Nemesia is not drought tolerant, so be prepared to water more frequently during a dry spell.
Fertilizing Nemesia in Pots
Nemesia is a heavy feeder and appreciates rich soil to continue blooming all season. Plants grown in containers benefit from regular fertilizing. Containers lose nutrients through watering, and heavy bloomers like Nemesia deplete the nutrients in the soil quickly. Apply a balanced, liquid fertilizer to potted Nemesia plants every other week to promote growth and flowers from spring through fall. Liquid fertilizers are best applied during a watering session.
Winter Care For Nemesia in Pots
Nemesia is an annual in most areas and will die back when the weather turns cold. Potted Nemesia can be removed from the container and composted. The roots may survive the winter if the container is moved to a warm area, such as a basement or greenhouse. Cut the growth back to a few inches, move the plant to a protected spot, and new growth may emerge in the spring.
Growing Nemesia Indoors
Many Nemesias are true annuals and will not return after one or two growing seasons. The growth will die back in the fall, and plants can be removed from their containers. For perennial Nemesia, plants can be moved indoors to overwinter in a frost-free location. Cut back all growth hard and water sparingly to prevent rot.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 09-01-2022 |