How to Grow Clarkia

Clarkia is a genus of flowering plants that contains more than 40 species, almost all of which originate from western North America. They are generally annual plants and grow to less than 3 feet. The flowers are pink or white rosettes with four petals that bloom throughout the summer. Clarkia is generally very hardy and some species are widely cultivated in home gardens; the common names of these species include mountain garland, redspot clarkia and farewell to spring. Clarkia can grow in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 10. This includes all but the very coldest and warmest parts of the United States.

Low-nitrogen fertilizer
Wooden stakes
Twine

Instructions

- 1
  Select your planting site. The soil should be in full sun or partial shade. The soil should also be cool and moist with a pH between 6 and 7. Add limestone to the soil if necessary to increase the pH.
- 2
  Sow Clarkia seeds in rows 6 to 12 inches apart on the soil surface when the daytime temperature is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue sowing the seeds every two weeks until summer to ensure a prolonged blooming season. The seeds should germinate within three weeks.
- 3
  Water the Clarkia seeds immediately after sowing them. Continue watering them with at least 1 inch of water every week during the growing season to ensure the soil remains moist.
- 4
  Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring, as Clarkia has a low tolerance for nitrogen. Tie the taller plants to stakes with twine to keep them from drooping over, if necessary.

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