These easy annual flowers are confusingly referred to interchangeably as Clarkia or Godetia, and even Eucharidium. We believe that Clarkia is correct. Plant Clarkia in cool, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid nitrogen-rich beds and planting beside nitrogen fixers (beans, peas, clover, lupins…). Flowering will be reduced in hot weather. While plants are still small, intersperse the Clarkia bed with twiggy branches to provide support as they grow. Tall plants will need staking. Crowding Clarkia plants may increase flower production. Clarkia may self-sow. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Clarkia from seed.
Latin
Clarkia amoena
Family: Onagraceae
Difficulty
Very easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Timing
Direct sow outdoors after last frost, and twice again at two week intervals for a longer bloom period. Clarkia is so susceptible to damping off that sowing indoors is not that practical. If absolutely necessary, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost in peat pots topped with vermiculite under very bright light, with good ventilation at 12-21°C (55-70°), watering only from below.
Starting
Sow on the surface of the soil, as the seeds need light to germinate. Thin to 15-23cm (6-9″) apart.