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Penny Black
Seed Packet

Penny Black

Nemophila discoidalis
Eggplant purple flowers have crisp white scalloped collars that provide a sparkling contrast to the deep hue. The petite flowers bloom surprisingly long and flower well into summer if heat is moderate. Grow with poppy 'Ladybird', sweet alyssum, and German catchfly 'Blue 'Angel' for flower-filled early summer gardens.
SKU #S686
$3.25
Growing Companions
German Catchfly 'Blue Angel'
German Catchfly 'Blue Angel'
Sweet Alyssum 'Benthamii'
Sweet Alyssum 'Benthamii'
Poppy 'Ladybird'
Poppy 'Ladybird'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
130
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
10" h x 10" w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular to rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Almost black blooms aging to dusky deep purple with a scalloped collar of pure white.
Features
Great for containers
Deer Resistant
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Barely cover 1/16"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
10 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Sow indoors in pots 8-10 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65F until germination is complete and grow on at 55-60F.
Starting Outdoors:
Sow in mid summer for a fall crop of blooms, late summer to late fall in warm winter areas (zones 8-10).
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Native to California, Nemophila thrives in cool to moderate summer areas where temperatures drop at night and is intolerant of high heat and humidity. It grows lush and blooms freely in cool, rainy weather, the little cup-shaped flowers covering the fresh green lobed foliage for several months. Provide a spot with afternoon shade in hotter climates, and plant as a garden edging in humus-rich soil. At its best in early summer in a container where the petite flowers can be easily viewed.
Final Spacing:
8"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep evenly moist, especially in full sun, but avoid saturated soils.
Soil pH:
Acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests:
No significant problems.