Nemesia St George

20 seeds

How to Seed Nemesia ‘St. George’

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Sow seeds from October to February, when daytime temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Avoid sowing during the hot season (April–September), as high temperatures can prevent germination and stress young plants.

   • In cooler coastal areas, sowing can begin in late September.

2. Seed Preparation:

   • Nemesia seeds are tiny and delicate, so handle them carefully.

   • No soaking is needed; however, you can mix the seeds with a bit of fine sand to ensure even sowing.

3. Sowing Depth:

   • Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly — do not cover with soil, as they need light to germinate.

   • Mist lightly with water to moisten the surface evenly.

   • Keep the tray or pot covered with clear plastic until germination begins to retain humidity.

4. Soil Requirements:

   • Prefers rich, loose, and well-drained soil.

   • Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% compost + 20% sand + 10% perlite.

   • Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot in humid or coastal Gulf areas.

5. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F).

   • Needs bright, indirect light for germination and full sun to partial shade for mature plants.

   • In Gulf climates, place seedlings in morning sunlight and provide light shade during noon hours.

6. Germination Time:

   • Seeds germinate in 10–20 days under warm, moist conditions.

   • Maintain constant light moisture but never overwater.

7. Transplanting & Spacing:

   • When seedlings are 5–7 cm tall, transplant carefully into larger pots or the garden.

   • Space plants 15–20 cm apart for healthy air circulation and abundant flowering.

   • Choose a sunny, sheltered location protected from strong winds.

8. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Nemesia thrives in cool sunlight — ideal for Gulf winter and early spring seasons.

   • Watering: Water regularly but lightly, keeping soil moist without saturation.

   • Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage flowering.

   • Heat Tolerance: In late spring, when temperatures rise above 30°C, Nemesia may slow down or stop blooming — trim it back slightly and move it to a shaded area to extend its life.

   • Pruning: Remove faded blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

   • Blooming: Produces vibrant red and white two-tone flowers with a delightful fragrance, blooming from late winter through early summer in Gulf regions.

   • Perfect for flower beds, borders, hanging baskets, and containers.