Free Shipping on $50+ orders!

Basket

Cape Jewels Seeds

Nemesia strumosa

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the seed below the surface of the soil since this seed needs darkness to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring. Transplant seedlings as soon as they can safely be handed and there is no chance of frost.

Growing: Keep the plants watered, since they do not appreciate dry soil and soon wither in drought. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the growing tips of young plants. After the first blooms have faded, cut the plant back for a second blooming. Keep in mind that this plant does not do well in excessive heat. It is an excellent choice for massed plantings, hanging baskets, and borders. This annual may reseed for a new crop next year.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the seeds as soon as the pods have opened; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the tiny seed can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Nemesia

Latin Name: Nemesia strumosa

Species Origin: Introduced US Wildflower

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 120,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 16 Inches

Color: Pink

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~2,000 Seeds) $3.48 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $7.96 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~120,000 Seeds) $16.80 $14.91 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $41.60 Notify Me
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $156.00 Notify Me
Sold out

DESCRIPTION

Plant a treasure trove in the backyard with these bright, pretty flowers. These pansy-like annuals originally grew around the Cape of South Africa, and are an excellent choice for massed plantings, hanging baskets, and borders.
Though wild colonies of this plant have been decreasing due to various environmental factors, it still enjoys extreme popularity in cottage gardens. Originally, this plant came from southern Africa; about 60 related species can still be found thriving in the wilds of that country. The genus name "Nemesia" comes from the Greek name for an herb look-alike, while the species name "strumosa" means "cushion-like swellings," referring to the unusual shape of the blossoms.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the seed below the surface of the soil since this seed needs darkness to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring. Transplant seedlings as soon as they can safely be handed and there is no chance of frost.

Growing: Keep the plants watered, since they do not appreciate dry soil and soon wither in drought. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the growing tips of young plants. After the first blooms have faded, cut the plant back for a second blooming. Keep in mind that this plant does not do well in excessive heat. It is an excellent choice for massed plantings, hanging baskets, and borders. This annual may reseed for a new crop next year.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the seeds as soon as the pods have opened; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the tiny seed can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Nemesia

Latin Name: Nemesia strumosa

Species Origin: Introduced US Wildflower

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 120,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 16 Inches

Color: Pink

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Cut Flowers