Godetia, also known as Clarkia amoena or Farewell to Spring, is a beautiful flowering plant that adds vibrant color in your garden. Growing godetia from seed is an easy process whether you want to plant it in pot or in ground, as the godetia plants bloom with lovely, satiny flowers in various shades of pink, purple, white and with a little care, you’ll have stunning godetia flowers in your garden in no time.
In this guide, we will understand How to Grow Godetia from Seed as well as explore some easy and simple tips on planting, caring the godetia plant. So, let’s get started!
Tools You Will Need
For growing Godetia from seeds, following items will be required:
Godetia seeds (such as godetia grandiflora or clarkia amoena)
Seed trays or small pots
Seed compost or well-draining potting mix
Watering can or spray bottle
Gardening gloves
Hand trowel (optional)
Source: istock
How to Plant Godetia Seeds
Planting godetia seeds is pretty simple! Start by choosing a spot with plenty of sunlight because godetia loves the sun. If you’re planning to plant it directly in the garden, then wait until the last frost has passed. Prepare the soil by loosening it up and making sure it drains well. You can also plant godetia seeds in pots if you prefer. Just make sure the pots have good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
When you’re ready to plant, sprinkle the godetia seeds on the soil surface, and gently press them in the soil without covering them too much. These seeds need sunlight to germinate, so avoid burying them deep. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not too soggy during the germination, which usually takes about 7 to 14 days.
Once the seedlings start to grow, plant them with proper space between all the seedlings, leaving about 6-8 inches between each plant to give them enough space to grow. If you’re growing them in pots, just make sure they’re not too crowded. Over time, your godetia will produce beautiful blooms, and with some basic care, like regular watering and deadheading the dry flowers once a week, you’ll enjoy these flowers till summer.
Source: istock
Types of Godetia
There are a few popular types of godetia, also known as Clarkia or farewell to spring. The most common variety is Godetia grandiflora, which produces large, cup-shaped flowers in a range of colors like pink, white, red, and purple. Another variety is Clarkia amoena, which is often referred by the same name and shares similar vibrant blooms.
Some other variety include Godetia ‘Dwarf Beauty’, which stays small and compact, making it perfect for containers or small gardens, and Godetia ‘Satin Flower’, known for its silky, delicate petals. Each variety brings a splash of color and charm to any garden, whether you plant them in beds or pots. So, depending on the size and color you want to grow, these godetia varieties will perfectly fit into your garden!
Source: istock
How to Care for Godetia in Pots
To care for godetia in pots, make sure that the pot has good drainage, as these plants don’t like soggy soil. Use well-draining soil, and place your pot in a sunny spot because godetia thrives in full sunlight. Water regularly, but don’t let the soil become too soggy or wet soil.
Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer to help the plants bloom beautifully. Use banana peel as organic fertilizer to encourage more blooms on the plant. Deadhead the spent flowers to get new blooms and it will make your godetia plant look fresh & will be maintained in proper shape. With a little care, your potted godetia will be filled with vibrant flowers throughout the season!
Source: istock
Step-by-Step Guide on Growing Godetia from Seed
Choose the Right Time to Plant
The best time to plant godetia seeds is in early spring when the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot in your garden, as godetia flowers thrive in full sunlight. You can also grow godetia in pots if you prefer container gardening. Ensure your pot or garden bed has well-draining soil because godetia plants don’t like waterlogged soil.
If you’re in a cooler climate, you can start the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Farewell to spring flowers (Godetia) thrive in cooler temperatures, making spring ideal for planting.
Source: istock
Sowing Godetia Seeds
Sow godetia seeds directly in the soil in early spring, after the last frost. If you live in a warmer climate area, then you can also plant them in the fall. To sow godetia seeds, start by sprinkling the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil or potting mix you have prepared and then gently press the seeds in the soil. There’s no need to cover them with too much soil as godetia seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout, which will take about 10-20 days to germinate.
For indoor planting, fill the seed trays or small pots with seed compost. For outdoor planting, ensure that the garden bed or pot has well-draining soil. Godetia prefers full sun, so choose a spot that gets plenty of light to encourage more blooms.
Source: istock
Watch for Godetia Seedling Sprouting
In about 7-14 days, you will see godetia seedlings are sprouting. Keep them in a sunny location and continue to water regularly, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out.
Water Gently
Use a watering can or spray bottle to moisten the soil without washing away the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as godetia seedlings can be sensitive to overwatering.
Source: istock
Planting Godetia Seedlings
Once the godetia seedlings sprout, then relocate them in a sunny spot and plant them about 10-12 inches apart, try to maintain proper space between the plant saplings for better growth. You can also cover them with a light layer of compost to boost the plant growth, but don’t bury them too deep as they need light to germinate. The spacing helps to ensure proper air circulation and growth of the plant. The plants will start to develop and may reach up to 12-24 inches tall, producing beautiful godetia flowers in early summer.
Transplanting Your Seedlings
Once the godetia seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and have a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to their final spot in the garden or larger pots. Be sure to space them about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Source: istock
Caring for Godetia
Godetia plants are low maintenance in care. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering them as it can cause root rot problem. Mulching around the base of the plant can help in retaining the moisture and control weed growth. As they grow, you can support taller varieties with wooden stakes to prevent them from bending over. Godetia flowers may bloom more if a light fertilizer is given in every 4-6 weeks and they’ll need regular watering, especially during dry climate condition.
Bloom Time
You can expect godetia flowers to bloom in late spring or early summer. They produce beautiful, delicate blooms that last throughout the summer. If you deadhead spent blooms, it encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
Source: istock
Winter Care for Godetia
Although godetia is typically grown as an annual, in warmer climates, they may reseed themselves and come back the following year. In cooler areas, you can collect the seeds after the flowers die off and store them for the next planting season.
Source: istock
How to Deadhead Godetia
Godetia flowers make excellent cut flowers, so you can enjoy them indoors as well. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead spent blooms regularly. This will keep your godetia plant looking fresh and vibrant throughout the growing season.
To deadhead godetia, start by waiting until the flowers begin to dry and lose their vibrant color. Use a clean, sharp scissor or a pruning shear to cut off the spent flowers just above the first set of the healthy leaves. It encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Make sure to remove any brown or dried-up buds to prevent disease. Deadheading is best done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering on the plant. After deadheading, give your plants a little water to help them recover. Enjoy the new growth and fresh blooms on your plant!
Source: istock
How to Care for Godetia Plant
To care for a godetia plant, start by planting it in well-draining soil and a sunny location, as godetia loves full sun. Water the plant regularly but be aware do not overwater it. Let the top layer of the soil dry out, then water the plant.
Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy blooms. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new growth and to extend the blooming season. Godetia plants are relatively low-maintenance, but be aware of the pests or fungus on the plant as it will help them to thrive throughout the growing season.
Source: istock
How to Collect Godetia Seeds
To collect godetia seeds, wait until the flowers are faded or dried and when the seed pods turn brown and dry on the plant. Gently snip the pods off and place them in a paper bag. Let the pods dry for a few more days, then carefully break them open to release the tiny seeds.
Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an envelope or small container until you’re ready to plant them next season. Make sure to label the seeds to identify them easily.
Source: istock
When to Sow Godetia Seeds
You can sow godetia seeds in the spring after the last frost has passed. At this time, the soil starts to warm up which helps the seeds to germinate. If you’re starting them indoors, then you can begin about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Just make sure to transplant the seedlings outside once the weather is warm and the seedlings are sprouted well.
Source: istock
How to Grow Godetia in Pots
To grow godetia in pots, start by choosing a pot with good drainage and filling it with well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. Sow the godetia seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with soil. Place the pot in a sunny spot, as godetia thrives in full sunlight. Water the soil regularly, keeping it moist but not soggy or wet. Once the seedlings sprout, plant them in pot or in ground and watch for lovely godetia blooms in a few weeks!
Source: istock
Conclusion
Growing godetia from seed is a simple process, they are low-maintenance plant. Godetia are perfect for beginners to grow abundant blooms in their garden or pots. With the right care and tips, your godetia plants will thrive and produce stunning blooms that will last till spring. Your garden will be filled with full of stunning godetia flowers all summer long, flowers that brighten up any space. Whether you choose to grow godetia grandiflora or another variety, these plants will bring vibrant color to your flower beds.
Hope it helps! Happy Gardening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How to Grow Godetia from Seed
Can I grow godetia in pots?
Yes, godetia plants grow well in pots. Just ensure the container has good drainage and is placed in a sunny location.
How to care for godetia indoors?
Place the godetia in a sunny spot and water regularly. Mulch well around the base of the plant.
How long does it take for godetia seeds to germinate?
Godetia seeds usually take 10-20 days to germinate when kept in moist soil and exposed to light.
How to grow Clarkia?
Similar to godetia, plant Clarkia seeds in well-draining soil in full sun and water them regularly.
When should I plant godetia seeds?
Plant godetia seeds in early spring after the last frost, or in the fall for warmer climates.
How tall does godetia grow?
Godetia plants can grow up to 12-24 inches tall depending on the variety to choose.
When to plant godetia seeds?
Sow godetia seeds in early spring in indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Do godetia need pinching?
Pinching back the tips of the plants can encourage bushier growth and more blooms on the plant.
How much sun does Godetia need?
Godetia thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
How to look after godetia plant?
Water regularly, deadhead the spent flowers, and provide full sunlight for better growth.
Are godetias easy to grow?
Yes, godetias are generally easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners.
Is Godetia an annual or perennial?
Godetia is generally grown as an annual flower.
Are godetia flowers toxic to cats?
Yes, godetia flowers can be toxic to cats, so it’s best to keep them out of reach if you have pets.
When to start Godetia?
Start godetia indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost or you can sow them directly in the garden in early spring.
How do you care for godetia flowers?
Keep the soil consistently moist, remove the dried or dead flowers and provide plenty of sunlight to the plant.
Where to plant godetia?
Plant godetia in a sunny location with well-draining soil, preferably in garden beds or pots.
Do godetia need sun?
Yes, godetia needs full sun to grow well and produce abundant flowers.
What do godetia seedlings look like?
Godetia seedlings have small, delicate leaves and a soft green color when they emerge from the soil.
How to plant godetia in pots?
Fill the pots with well-draining soil mix, then sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, and water lightly until they germinate.
How to grow godetia?
Plant seeds in well-draining soil, provide full sun, and keep the soil slightly moist until germination.