The Gardeners Almanac

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My Back Garden

Nemophila

Common name: Baby Blue Eyes

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Week Numbers

Collect seeds

Compost

Containers

Deadheading

Hardening off

Heating

Planting out

Pricking out

Seed sowing

Overview:

Close up of the Blue and White flowers

Flowering plant in the border

Nemophila is a bushy hardy annual that grows from around 150mm to 300mm (6"-12") high, and the light to medium blue flowers appear from late June into September.


The foliage consists of smooth bluey green leaves.

It is suited for ground cover, rockeries and containers, and is attractive to bees and butterflies.

It is a prolific self seeder, so dead head regularly if you do not want this too happen.


Cultivation:

Week 14:

Sow seed in trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Germination should take around 5-7 days.


Week 16:

Prick out into cell trays or boxes of potting compost when large enough to handle.

Gradually harden seedlings off until planting out time.


Week 21:

Plant out 150mm to 300mm (6"-12") apart in sun or partial shade, in any well drained compost enriched soil.


Circa Week 34:

Collect seedheads/pods when flowers fade, allow them to dry, then packet them up and store for the following year.