General
Annual flowers that are confusingly referred to interchangably as Clarkia or Godetia, and even Eucharidium. We believe that Clarkia is correct.
Latin
Clarkia amoena
Family: Onagraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 8-10
Timing
Direct sow outdoors after last frost - mid-March on the coast, and twice again at two week intervals for a nice, long bloom period. Clarkia is so susceptible to damping off that sowing indoors is not 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.
Growing
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 your 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.
