Last update: 22-06-2022 Home & Garden

Nemesia Care Guide - Varieties, Seeds, Pests, Diseases and Needs

Nemesia is a perfect plant to grow both in the garden and in pots. Its colorful flowers and relatively small size make it one of the most popular ornamental plants cultivated by gardeners. Are you wondering whether it's difficult to grow? Do you want to know what is the best location for nemesias? Learn what you should know about these plants.

Nemesia strumosa – the most important info

Nemesia, also known as Nemezis or cape jewels is an annual plant. It belongs to the figwort family. Nemesia has its natural habitat in South Africa, where it can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. Its multicolored flowers growing in loose clusters are the characteristic feature of this plant. The bottom petal of the flower is much larger than the remaining four – it’s a result of two petals joining and growing as one. The upper petals of nemesia flowers are typically colored differently than the bottom ones.

Nemesia is popular mostly because of its easy maintenance and high aesthetic values. The plant can be grown directly in flower beds or in pots. It’s a perfect decoration – not only in yards, but also on patios and balconies.

The most popular nemesia varieties

Nemesia is characteristic for its many beautiful varieties. The most popular cultivars include the following:

• Orange Prince – variety that reaches up to 20 centimeters in height; the flowers have strong orange color, the plant can be grown in flower beds and pots;
• Blue Gem – it grows up to 20 centimeters tall and the flowers are intensely blue;
• Helvetia – this nemesia variety reaches up to 20 centimeters, and its flowers have a strong red color.

Nemesia cultivation – what is the best location for this plant?

Nemesia is not the most difficult plant to grow. When picking a location for it, consider a calm spot, shielded from wind and with a lot of sunlight. If you decide on a place in half-shade, you can count on prolonged blooming, although not as intense as it is for nemesias growing in full sun.

A proper soil pH level is crucial for successful nemesia cultivation. The plant prefers slightly acidic pH. The soil should also be permeable, rich in humus and fertile.

Nemesia on a balcony

Nemesia is a perfect ornamental plant which can be planted on a balcony. In this case, we recommend varieties that grow no taller than 20 centimeters. They are as easy to maintain as plants growing in flower beds. A sunny balcony provides better conditions for intense blooming of this plant.

Nemesia – seeds and the best time for sowing

Time for planting nemesia seeds depends mostly on the place where they are going to grow. If you want to use the plants as a decoration for a patio or a balcony, and are going to grow them in containers, seed your nemesias in April. Cape jewels growing in flower beds should be planted later – at the beginning of May.

When seeding the plant, remember about proper spacing. 15-20 centimeters is the recommended distance.

Nemesia – watering and fertilizing

Nemesia requires regular watering, but only in case of a drought. During standard months, reduce watering to minimum, as too moist soil might become a cause of rotten roots.

If you want to keep the plant in a perfect condition and increase its blooming rate, make sure to feed it. For the best results, repeat it every three weeks. A fertilizer designed for blooming plants is the best option.

How to propagate nemesia strumosa?

Nemesia can be propagated by the use of its seeds. If kept in proper conditions, they can remain suitable for planting for 3 years. You can plant the seeds either in a pot or in garden soil. There are no limitations in this matter.

What are the most common nemesia diseases?

Fungal diseases are the biggest problem threatening this type of plant. They are typically a result of improper cultivation practices. That’s why it’s so important to follow the rules about planting and general care.

If you notice first signs of a fungal disease, don’t hesitate to use special products available in gardening stores.

Is nemesia strumosa prone to any pests?

Nemesia is a highly resistant plant. Any pest attacks are quite rare for this species. Regardless, if the soil in the garden is of poor quality, consider taking preventive measures. They might keep pests such as aphids away. Natural remedies based on onions and garlic protect not only from pests, but also from the mentioned fungal diseases.