Clarkia 'Elegant Salmon'

 Salmon Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata)

Salmon Clarkia enchants with soft, warm salmon blooms that open from the base upward along striking purple-red stems, providing a long-lasting, graceful display. Flowers range from double to semi-double, with the occasional single bloom adding a touch of whimsical variation. The nearly foliage-free, sturdy stems make harvesting effortless, while basal-branching growth ensures abundant cut stems for bouquets.

A charming cool-season annual and valued spring cut flower, this Clarkia adds height, texture, and delicate, papery charm to garden borders or floral arrangements. Also known as Elegant Clarkia or Mountain Garland, it pairs beautifully with soft whites, blush pinks, and pale purples for romantic, layered bouquets or cottage-style plantings.

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.