Nemesia hails from South Africa and boasts tubular flowers similar to snapdragons. This summer bloomer has flowers in hues of yellow, orange, red, purple, and white. Nemesia is a tender perennial and is grown as an annual in most areas. Learning how to care for Nemesia will ensure you can enjoy healthy plants that add striking color to a space.
What You Need To Plant Nemesia
- Shovel
- Compost or manure
- Garden spade
- Good location
- Water source
- Mulch
Where to Plant Nemesia
Plant Nemesia after there is no longer a chance of frost. Select a partially shady spot and use rich soil with a pH of 5.5 to 5.8. The soil should be moist but allow for drainage. Nemesia likes damp conditions, but this beauty does not tolerate wet feet.
Nemesia Spacing
Nemesia has a compact, rounded form and reaches 10 to 12 inches tall. The sturdy branches can support themselves without any additional help. Plants will spread about 12 to 18 inches wide. Space Nemesia 4 to 6 inches apart to create a dense border of consistent flowers and greenery.
Steps To Plant Nemesia
Nemesia is not a very picky plant, but the location matters, and choosing the right spot will ensure the plant thrives. Select an area that receives partial sun, which works out to about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. Dig a hole bigger than the root ball and amend the soil with organic compost or manure. Place the plant in the prepared hole so the top of the root ball is level or a bit higher than the surrounding ground. Positioning the plant too low will allow water to pool, and while Nemesia likes plenty of water, too much moisture is damaging.
Step 1 - Wait until there is no longer a threat of frost to plant Nemesia
Step 2 - Choose a spot that receives partial sun
Step 3 - Dig a hole larger than the root ball
Step 4 - Mix organic compost or manure in with the soil in the hole
Step 5 - Position the plant in the prepared spot so the top of the root ball is even with the surrounding ground.
Step 6 - Fill in the soil around the root ball and firmly press into place
Step 7 - Place mulch around the base of the plant and drench the soil
When to Plant Nemesia
Plant Nemesia in the spring, but wait until the temperature is consistently warm and above 50 degrees overnight. This plant is grown as an annual in most areas, so it cannot handle cold weather, but you want to give it as much time as possible to settle in so it will bloom by summer.
Transplanting Nemesia
Since Nemesia is grown as an annual, it is not usually necessary to move this plant. Furthermore, Nemesia does not always respond well to being transplanted, so it is best to avoid moving this plant. Take the time in the spring to select a good home for this annual so that it can spend the spring and summer season in one location.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 09-01-2022 |