Twinspur Diascia integerrima

Water

The Twinspur, the common name for Diascia integerrima, prefers consistently moist soil, so you should water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and the environment, this could mean watering once every few days during active growth periods, typically in spring and summer. Aim to provide the plant with approximately one gallon of water per week, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and instead water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.

Light

Twinspur thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so positioning it in a spot that gets plenty of morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal. Avoid deep shade as this can hinder flower production and lead to leggy growth.

Temperature

Twinspur, when grown outdoors, prefers temperatures ranging between 40°F and 85°F. It can tolerate lows down to about 30°F but should be protected from frost, as it is not frost-hardy. The ideal temperature range for promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowering is between 60°F and 75°F.

Pruning

Pruning Twinspur is important for encouraging bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the plant in the spring to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Cut back the plant by about half at the end of the blooming season to keep it tidy and prepare it for the next growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Twinspur, also known as Diascia integerrima, should be well-draining with a slight tendency towards acidity, ideally with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture consisting of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts creates an optimal environment for root growth and health. Regularly check soil moisture as these plants prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions.

Repotting

Twinspur, commonly called Diascia integerrima, should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent root crowding and replenish nutrients. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to ensure healthy growth and avoid overpotting, which can lead to water retention issues.

Humidity & Misting

Twinspur (Diascia integerrima) thrives in moderate humidity levels. Aim to maintain humidity around 40-50% for optimal growth. Avoid excessively dry air, which can stress the plant, and provide regular misting if indoor air is particularly dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Twinspur in bright, indirect light indoors; keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant Twinspur in sun to part shade; ensure well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Diascia integerrima, commonly known as the "spurflower," begins its life as a seed, which, when sown and exposed to the proper conditions of light, temperature, and moisture, will germinate. The seedling emerges, developing roots and a set of initial leaves, and as it matures, true leaves that are characteristic of the spurflower's foliage appear. As a juvenile, the plant continues to grow foliage and strengthen its stems, leading up to the flowering stage, wherein it produces distinctive pink or coral flowers that have a unique spurred shape. After pollination, often aided by bees that are attracted to the flower's shape and nectar, the plant sets fruits that develop seeds. Once mature, these seeds are dispersed by various means, such as wind or animal movement, to begin a new cycle. The spurflower is a perennial plant, which means it has a multi-year lifespan, going through repeated cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, depending on the climate and season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Diascia integerrima, commonly known as the Twinspur, is through sowing seeds. This is usually done in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F (21°C). Seeds should be lightly scattered over the surface of a well-draining soil mix in a seed tray or directly into the garden. They need light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil but gently pressed into the surface. Watering should be done with care to maintain moisture without causing the seeds to rot. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks, and once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or to their final positions in the garden.