Nemesia

Nemesia strumosa, also called pouch nemesia or Cape jewels, is a brightly colored annual native to southern Africa. Its flowers resemble orchids and come in yellow, orange, pink, cream, red, mauve and white, and some are two-toned. The plant grows 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall and wide and suits borders, flower beds, containers and hanging baskets.

Sowing. Sow seed in spring. Till the bed about a week before sowing and add compost to improve drainage and fertility. Scatter the seed evenly over the bed and cover it with only a light layer of soil, since the seed needs darkness to germinate. One source suggests sowing at 15 °C (59 °F).

Germination and thinning. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and expect sprouts in 5 to 10 days. Thin seedlings to 6 inches (15 cm) apart once they have their second set of leaves.

Light and timing. Plant in full sun. In hot climates, spring or fall is the best time to grow it, because summer heat causes die-back. Soft-stem cuttings can also be rooted in summer, but seed is the main way it is propagated.

Watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy; the water need is moderate. Water freely in dry weather to keep flowers coming.

Shaping and deadheading. Pinch back the growing tips once or more as the plant grows to encourage branching. Cut back wilted flowers to keep it blooming.

Mulch and cutting back. Spread organic mulch to within 2 inches (5 cm) of each plant. If blooms stop in summer or the plant begins to die back, cut it back by one-third to one-half of its size.

Root rot. Root rot may occur if the soil drains poorly, and it is also listed as a possible problem.

Pests and mildew. Powdery mildew, aphids and thrips are possible problems. To prevent mildew, water the soil near the roots and keep the leaves as dry as possible. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can treat insect pests.

Seed can be collected in autumn, once the plants form flat seed capsules. In mild climates the plant blooms from late spring to the first frost.