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:Β Warm season
Exposure:Β 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 21Β°C (70Β°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.