Clarkia 'Appleblossom'

Appleblossom Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata)

Soft blush petals drift like spring’s whisper across graceful stems—Appleblossom Clarkia presents loose spires of pale pink blossoms that evoke the petals of apple trees in bloom. From the slender, upward-reaching stems comes an airy serenade of colour, delicate yet abundant, that brings a romantic lightness to borders and cutting gardens. In the vase or field, Appleblossom Clarkia adds a touch of elegiac charm: its textural sprays complement stronger statements, while holding their own in subtlety. Pair with buttery-yellow strawflowers for a soft halo of colour, or mingle beside coral snapdragons to accent its gentle rosy tones.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/16" - Lightly cover

GERMINATION: 5-10 days at 18-21°C

HEIGHT: 24 - 32”

MATURITY: 75 - 85 Days

SPACING: 6 - 12”

PINCH: No
 

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (Recommended): Sow seeds indoors 4 weeks before planting out (after the last frost). Lightly cover seeds with only 1/16 inch of soil, as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil surface moist until emergence (typically 5-10 days). After germination, seedlings prefer cool growing conditions: Temperatures should not exceed 21°C, as high heat causes weak, spindly stems. Harden off seedlings before planting out after the last frost. Space transplants 6-12 inches apart.

Direct Seed: Sow as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Gently press seeds into the soil, covering with only 1/16 inch of soil. Keep the soil surface moist until emergence. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they have their first true leaves.

Soil, Fertilizing, and Watering: Clarkia requires average, well-drained soil. It is adapted to lean or poor soils and dislikes rich, fertile conditions, which can lead to excessive foliage and poor flowering. No fertilizer is generally needed. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Keep the soil surface moist until germination. Once established, water occasionally; Clarkia is moderately drought-tolerant and thrives in drier conditions. Avoid overwatering.

Maintenance and Harvesting: Prefers full sun but benefits from partial afternoon shade in areas with intense heat. Taller varieties may need support (such as twiggy branches or a horizontal trellis) to prevent the slender stems from bending or flopping. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering. Harvest stems when the lower set of blooms is just beginning to open. Place immediately in water for a vase life of 7-10 days.