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Nemesias are colourful annuals and short-lived perennials, bearing wonderfully fragrant, colourful flowers from late spring right through to autumn. Nemesias originate from South Africa and are frost-tender. They flower in a range of colours, including orange, red, pink, purple, blue, and white, often with contrasting centres – some have bi-coloured flowers. Nemesias can be bushy and compact, and therefore suitable for growing at the front of a border or in pots, or trailing and therefore more suited to hanging baskets.
Grow nemesias for summer displays in pots, as well as beds that have good drainage. Buy nemesias as plug plants in early spring or as garden ready plants in late spring to summer. Some nemesias can be raised from seed. Plant in a sunny spot after the frosts in well-drained soil. Deadhead to encourage more blooms. If you want to keep your perennial nemesias to flower the following year, move them to a frost-free spot to overwinter.
More on growing nemsias:
Full sun and free-draining soil are essential for nemesias to flower well, as poorly drained soil can result in root and stem rots. Plant nemesias in patio pots, window boxes, hanging baskets and in raised beds, as well as in the ground as long as the soil is well drained. They make excellent partners with other summer-flowering patio plants or can be grown on their own or in small groups.
Nearly all nemesias are frost-tender and should be planted out only after all danger of frost has passed. Use a peat-free, multi-purpose compost for pots and add perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage. Where pots or containers are standing on a hard surface, raise them just off the ground so any surplus water can drain away freely. Space nemesias around 15-25 cm apart, depending on variety size and the size of container. Water in after planting.
Water as required to keep the compost evenly moist but take care not to over-water as nemesias are prone to root and stem rot. From midsummer, feed every couple of weeks with a liquid fertilizer high in potash. Trim off dead and faded flowers to keep the plant looking smart and to encourage more blooms. If straggly stems develop, shorten to maintain a neat shape.
Perennial nemesias can be kept over winter for a year or two by bringing plants into a frost-free place that’s not too warm, such as a heated greenhouse, porch, conservatory, or windowsill in a cool room. Water very sparingly over winter as they’re susceptible to rotting.
To grow nemesia from seed, sow under cover in early spring at 15°C, transplant the seedlings into small pots and grow on for planting out in early summer.
Nemesia hybrids can be raised from cuttings taken from the tips of non-flowering shoots, in late summer. When rooted, pot individually into small pots and grow in a warm place over winter.
Nemesias are prone to root and stem rots, which occur when growing conditions are too wet. prevent this by giving plants good drainage and a sunny site.
Nemesias to grow from seed:
Nemesia hybrids to buy as plants:
