Introduction and Uses: Clarkia is a hardy annual with slender but graceful branches. It is a tall, erect plant with flowers of pastel shades of pink. Foliage is pretty, and the stem is thick with flowers from top to bottom. Blooms are round and fluffy.
The long spikes of flowers are most attractive, and the buds open in water, which makes them very useful as a cut flower. Clarkia is also useful for grouping in clumps, in borders and flower beds. It can be grown as a pot plant.
Sweet Clarkia is grown by direct seed sowing in pots, containers, and flower beds.
Before sowing the seeds, slightly moisten the soil.
For beds and borders, broadcast the seeds directly and evenly on the soil. Thin out extra seedlings about 20-30 cm apart.
Planting Distance: 20-30 cm apart. Growing single plant in 22-25 cm pot is possible.
Watering: The plant does not like torrential rains and too much moisture. Light watering twice a week is recommended. Buy watering can online.
Plant care: Seedlings are susceptible to ‘Damping off’ disease. Spray fungicides on germinated seedlings.
Bloom time: Flowering commences 7-8 weeks after sowing but lasts long.
Germination will take place in 10 - 12 days from sowing.