Nemesia is a lovely flowering annual that leaves an impression. The tubular flowers are similar to snapdragons and depending on the cultivar, are available in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and white. Nemesia starts to bloom in the spring, and the plant continues to push out flowers into fall. Flowers are the main draw for Nemesia, so it can be disappointing if this plant does not bloom. Understanding what Nemesia needs can help you care for this beauty and ensure it blooms to its full potential.
Common Reasons Why Nemesia Isn’t Blooming
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Sunlight
Nemesia needs partial shade to full sun to thrive. Plants grown in low light may push out healthy foliage and even flower buds, but the buds may fail to open. Plants exposed to hot afternoon sun in the Southern states may burn and fail to thrive.
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Water
The proper amount of water is essential to healthy and blooming Nemesia plants. Not enough water and plants may fail to set buds. Too much water can damage the roots and may kill the plant.
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Pruning
Nemesia naturally maintains a tidy shape, and this plant does not need a lot of pruning during the season. Dead and damaged growth can be removed anytime, but over-pruning or removing too much healthy growth may prevent Nemesia plants from blooming.
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Fertilizer
Rich soil supports healthy Nemesia growth, but much like everything else, too much or too little fertilizer can be damaging. Plants that need a nutritional boost may not bloom because the plant does not have the means to set buds. Too much of a good thing is not so good, and over-fertilized plants may experience stunted growth.
Pruning Nemesia To Help It Bloom
Pruning can help Nemesia bloom. Overgrown plants can use a trim to help the plant redirect energy into flowers. Removing spent flowers also encourages the plant to set more flowers. The plant will keep trying to support flowers after they start to fade, so removing them allows it to put that energy into new flowers.
Fertilizing Nemesia To Help It Bloom
Rich soil is essential to healthy and blooming Nemesia plants. Amend the soil with manure or organic compost and fertilize the plant to keep it well fed. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring, or apply a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Nemesia grows best with a gentle organic fertilizer, formulated for blooming plants. Too much nitrogen may prevent Nemesia from blooming.
Get Nemesia To Produce More Blooms
Deadheading Nemesia is an effective way to keep this annual covered in flowers during the growing season. Ensuring the plant is well fed by routinely applying a balanced fertilizer according to the instructions on the package will also keep this beauty vibrant and blooming. Adjusting the amount of light and water the plant receives can also help it thrive and look its best.
Why Nemesia Isn’t Blooming
- Too much or not enough sunlight
- Improper watering
- Low-quality soil or inappropriate fertilizer
- Over-pruning
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 09-01-2022 |