Five Spot

SKU: FL1216
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. Read More
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Five Spot Nemophila maculata seeds

Product Details

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.

Quick Facts:

    • Easy to grow
    • Height to 23cm (9")
    • Spring blooming
    • Annual

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Five Spot

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All About Five Spot

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. 

How to Grow Nemophila

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Starting

Barely cover the tiny seeds. Aim for plant spacing at 10cm (4″). Tighter spacing is okay for this small species. 

Step 3

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. 

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