How to grow and care for godetia
Find out how to grow and care for godetia, in our guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Plant | yes | yes | yes |
Godetia (Clarkia) is a hardy annual with narrow, oval leaves and funnel or bowl-shaped blooms. The flowers come in a variety of colours including pink, red, white and salmon. This vibrant annual is native to South-west Canada and parts of western USA, such as California. There are both single- and double-flowered varieties as well as annual mixes including 'Little Frills Mix', which has single flowers in a mix of colours. Perfect for bedding, popular varieties include Godetia grandiflora, which has pink or lilac flowers, and dwarf varieties such as Clarkia amoena, which grows to 25cm and has pink and white flowers.
Common names for godetia include satin flower, because of the texture of the petals, and farewell-to-spring, which refers to the early summer flowering period of some varieties. Godetia is a popular annual due to its long flowering period – around 10 weeks – and its easy-to-grow nature. Its strong stems also make it an excellent cut flower.
Bear in mind that all species of godetia are now in the genus Clarkia, but you'll find them sold under both names.
How to grow godetia
Direct-sow godetia in spring or autumn, where you want it to flower, ideally in full sun in well drained soil. Water well until the plants are established. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms to develop and cut back plants after flowering.
Where to grow godetia
For best results, grow godetia in full sun, although partial shade is tolerated. It complements other hardy annuals such as Californian poppies and nigella, making a colourful, annual display that can be used to fill gaps in borders and containers.
How to plant godetia
Godetia is best grown from seed. Sow direct between March and May or September and October. Sow thinly, around 15mm deep and cover lightly with soil. If sowing in drills, space them 30cm apart. In pots, scatter seed on the surface of well-prepared, peat-free seed compost and cover with a fine layer of compost. Water with the rose of your watering can turned up for a gentle flow.
Check the seed packet for details as distances can vary depending on the variety. Germination takes up to two weeks.
How to care for godetia
Godetia is fairly easy to care for. Once seedlings appear, thin them to around 20cm apart. It may struggle in hot summers so provide water when conditions become dry.
How to prune godetia
Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers. Cut back plants after flowering.
How to propagate godetia
Collect godetia seed once the plants are over, and then sow in autumn or spring.
Pests and problems
Generally pest free but can be susceptible to stem and root rot. To prevent this problem, ensure the soil is well drained and avoid over watering so plants are not left sitting in water.
Advice on buying godetia
- Godetia is also sold under the name clarkia. All godetia species are now within the Clarkia genus, but not all clarkia species are godetia
- You can buy packets of seed of godetia rather than plants
Where to buy godetia
Frequently asked questions
Do godetia come back every year?
Godetia is a hardy annual so it won't come back every year. It needs to be sown each year in the spring for flowers between July and September. Alternatively, you can sow in September for early flowering the next year, between June and August.
How big does godetia grow?
Godetia can grow to 75cm, but there are smaller varieties available which only grow to 30cm.
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