How To Grow Didiscus Flowers From Seed
Didiscus, Trachymene coerulea - also known as Lace or Lacy flower makes the perfect annual cut flower to grow from seed.
Long stiff stems that grow up to 60cm, airy flowering umbels in pale blue, blush and white make them a must to have in the garden! Didiscus will flower over a two months. Seeds can be sown late winter, spring and autumn. Didiscus flowers are softly scented and once established very low maintenance. They will attract bees and butterflies into your garden.
The Blue Didiscus is also known as Rottnest Island Daisy and is native to Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Sowing + Germination Tips:
- Raise as seedlings, sow 3mm deep, cover the seeds with soil, making sure they are completely covered to ensure darkness for germination. Another option is to cover the tray with something like newspaper until germination has occurred.
- Germination should take 12-22 days @ 21-22°C, seeds will not germinate unless the soil is above 20 degrees.
- Dislikes root disturbance, so take care when transferring into the garden.
- Once the seedlings have 2 sets of true leaves they are then ready to be transplanted outside into the garden - this will be at around 6 weeks of growth.
Planting Tips:
- Chose a sunny to part shade area in the garden - flowers may brown if planted in full sun in very hot climates.
- Didiscus likes well draining soil and can tolerate range of soil conditions.
- Space each plant 20cm apart.
- Plants can be pinched at around 20cm to encourage side branching = more flowers.
- Seedlings will need to be kept well watered but once establish they will not need a lot.
Harvesting Tips:
- Didiscus take around 100 days to bloom from seed.
- Harvest the flowers in the coolest part of the day when half of the flowers on the umbel are open.
- Didiscus have a long vase life, up to 10 days.
