Clarkia, also known as farewell-to-spring, is a pretty heirloom flower
that is easily grown in flower beds or containers. It was previously
known as Godetia, and is still referred to by this name. Clarkia pulchella,
was one of the flowers that Lewis and Clark found as they traveled
across the Louisiana Purchase.
It was named for Captain William
Clark by a German botanist and became popular in the 19th-century.
There are many varieties of Clarkia that have since been recorded
and all are lovely flowers in vivid shades of deep rose, purple, pink,
red, white and salmon.
There are several varieties of Clarkia, including a dwarf that grows
nicely in pots. Clarkia likes full sun and poor soil--- if the soil is
fertile or too much compost is added the plant will grow lush foliage
with very few flowers. Wet feet is also a no-no with this annual. Well
drained soil in full sun in the north, and partial shade in the warmer
climates will make this annual happy.
Clarkia should be direct seeded in early spring when the ground can
be worked. It needs light to germinate so scatter the seeds, then
cover very lightly. When the plants are just 2-3 inches tall thin to
8-10 inches apart. They will germinate quickly if the conditions are
right in a week to ten days. If it's especially cloudy it may take a
little longer. In mild climates you can plant in the fall as well. Don't
allow the seedlings dry out, but don't over water either. Clarkia has
a thinner stem, so taller varieties will need to be staked. You'll also
want to deadhead after blooming. You can stagger the sowing every
couple of weeks to extend the bloom time. Start sowing about 2 weeks
before the last frost. Nature Hills carries Clarkia amoena seeds here.
This is a dwarf
variety and it's great for containers. They will dry out on hot and/or
windy days more than normal, so watch the pots and water as needed.
Farewell-to-Spring is a lovely heirloom annual that will bring vivid
color and charm to your garden, windowboxes or containers. Many
heirloom plants fall to the wayside because they don't make good
commercial bedding plants. Clarkia is one that is easy to grow from
seed, and can be passed from friend to friend and family to family.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the rural Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
Flower Seed Resources:
-Thompson&Morgan Seeds
--Nature Hills Nursery
-Park Seed
-Monticello Garden Shop
