Nemesia strumosa 'Paintbox'

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pronounced: nem-EE-see-ah stroo-MOE-suh

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Growing Guide
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GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Annual.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All zones. In zones 15-17, 21-24, grow during cool season.
USDA zones:: All.
Mature size:
Height: 7-12 inches (18-30 cm).
Width 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).

Flowering period:
Late spring through summer.
Flowering attributes:
Racemes of bicolor, two-lipped flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Lance-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Add a complete organic fertilizer when planting and a monthly application during the growing season. Nemesia benefits from additional calcium and magnesium.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed indoors March to April at 59-68°F (15-20°C); germination in 4-21 days.
Pruning Methods:
Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming.

There are conflicting reports that Nemesia strumosa resents transplanting and it should be directly sown into the garden. However, I find many recommendations to start the plants early indoors and transplant into the garden after danger of frost. In my own plant trials, I sow Nemesia seeds in pots in the greenhouse and later transplant outdoors when the weather settles.

Use these annuals for edging garden beds or plant in drifts in the border. In a mixed border, Nemesia provides continuous bloom. They are especially useful during times when the perennials are not at their peak in flowers. This little annual is a great container plant too.

More Nemesia.

Photographed in author's garden.