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Nemophila maculata. This low growing member of the Borage family is native to the hills of California, but grows well in most temperate garden soils. It takes its name from the conspicuous five spots of its 2cm (1") wide flowers, which have evolved to attract solitary bees. Both male and female bees feed on its nectar, but females also gather its pollen to feed to their larvae. Five Spot grows 15-23cm (6-9") tall and blooms in spring. It is very easy to grow from seed and can be direct sown in early spring or in the fall in mild areas. It works well in containers, rock gardens, or as an edging for raised beds.
Annual.
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Latin
Latin
Nemophila menziesii
Family: Boraginaceae
Timing
Timing
Start indoors, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out. It’s probably simpler to direct sow in early spring, when a chance of frost is still possible. In mild winter areas, seeds can also be direct sown in the fall. Ideal soil temperature for germination: 12°C (55°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-21 days.
Growing
Growing
Cool, moist, light, well-drained soil is best. Grow in partial shade where summer soils get hot. Plants can die from excessive heat. Nemophila may self sow if conditions are right. Barely cover the tiny seeds. Aim for plant spacing at 10cm (4″). Tighter spacing is okay for this small species.
West Coast Seeds is a family-owned company that embraces an organic lifestyle. A group of imagination catalysts and passionate educators, dedicated to producing products and services that better the environment. As part of our mission to repair the earth, we aim to inspire and empower people to take responsibility for the state of the planet. For us, organic is about much more than saying no to chemicals, it is about saying yes to building a healthy soil for the future.
For over 35 years, we have upheld our strong reputation as a leading seed supplier, seeking out the highest quality untreated seeds for organic growing and putting them through rigorous independent testing. We built our company on the exchange of generational wisdom in a masterclass community of newbies and masters alike. Our world may have changed, but our commitment to our people, our customers, and our planet has not.
We’re a values-based business that has blossomed into a lifestyle ethos, with products that support seeders, feeders, keepers, and the tiniest of creepers. Our mission? To mobilize the next generation of gardeners with products that nourish soil and grow vigorous, sustainable gardens. We believe all plants should be grown without the use of chemicals, and that the seeds we supply are an important component of regenerative gardening.
We don’t just offer seeds, we offer experience, insight, and understanding. From timeless garden wisdom to new tech know-how, this is learning on the job: knowledge gleaned not from the pages of a book but from burying our fingers in the soil. We test, experiment, observe and adapt, never happier than when we get to share what we’ve learned with others.
Gardens don’t just grow seeds. They grow minds and imaginations, people and communities. Our vision encompasses both the micro and the macro. We eat locally, protect pollinators, teach people to grow from seed, and support regional biodiversity. We think big but act small and deliver unexpected impact — always with community and purpose.
At West Coast Seeds we believe in the power of small and that little can be large. Like the tiniest seed germinates to evoke incremental change with massive potential, so to can our community of gardeners and growers together. Gardeners are the earth’s stewards, planting seeds of creative declaration. The soil provides the canvas, we provide the seeds.
Start indoors, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out. It’s probably simpler to direct sow in early spring, when a chance of frost is still possible. In mild winter areas, seeds can also be direct sown in the fall. Ideal soil temperature for germination: 12°C (55°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-21 days.
Barely cover the tiny seeds. Aim for plant spacing at 10cm (4″). Tighter spacing is okay for this small species.
Cool, moist, light, well-drained soil is best. Grow in partial shade where summer soils get hot. Plants can die from excessive heat. Nemophila may self sow if conditions are right.
