Commonly known as Lace Flower, Didiscus is admired for their delicate umbels of tiny, star-shaped flowers that are mildly fragrant. Native to Australia, they are a popular choice as cut flowers for cottage-style or contemporary arrangements and bouquets, but they also make excellent long-blooming bedding plants. As cut flowers, they last 7 to days in a vase.
Latin
Trachymene coerulea
Difficulty
Easy, but requires patience.
Season & Zone
Season: Warm season
Exposure: Full-sun to partial shade
Timing
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days.
Starting
Didiscus seeds need warmth and darkness to germinate, and their delicate roots do not to be distrubed. Sow in biodegradable cells/pots and lightly cover to provide darkness or place cells/pots in a warm, dark room until seeds germinate. Water carefully from the bottom. Alternatively, direct sow in permanent location after last frost. Cover and keep moist until seeds sprout. Ideal soil temperature 21°C (70°F).
Days to Maturity
From sowing date.
Growing
After last frost in spring and seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, plant out in permanent location. Plant in well-draining, sandy soil and in a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds. In hot, sunny climates, they benefit from some afternoon shade. When soil feels dry, water deeply.
Seed Info
Usual seed life: 2 years.