Farewell to Spring Clarkia amoena

Water

Farewell to Spring, commonly known as Godetia, prefers even moisture and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. An inch of water per week is sufficient, either from rainfall or manual watering. During hot weather, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Light

Farewell to Spring thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that gets bright, unfiltered sunlight will help ensure abundant flowering. However, in regions with very hot summers, a location with afternoon shade can prevent the plant from getting scorched by intense midday sun.

Temperature

Farewell to Spring does well in a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered ideal for its growth. It can tolerate short periods of colder weather down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as high heat can affect flowering and overall health.

Pruning

Farewell to Spring benefits from deadheading, or removing spent flowers, to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pruning is not typically necessary, but if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, cutting back by one-third can stimulate new growth and create a bushier appearance. The best time for any significant pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Farewell-to-Spring thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam and sand to ensure proper drainage, a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0) is ideal. Adding organic compost can improve soil fertility.

Repotting

Farewell-to-Spring does not typically require repotting as it is an annual and completes its life cycle within one season. After flowering, it can be replaced or allowed to self-seed.

Humidity & Misting

Farewell-to-Spring prefers moderate humidity levels similar to its native habitats, although it is fairly adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as it is not in consistently damp or arid environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Farewell-to-Spring indoors with bright light and good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Plant Farewell-to-Spring in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Clarkia amoena, commonly known as farewell-to-spring, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after experiencing winter dormancy germinates in late winter or spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels become favorable. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves after the cotyledons (seed leaves). As the farewell-to-spring grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where stems elongate, leaves expand, and the plant increases in biomass, preparing for reproduction. The flowering stage follows, typically in late spring to early summer, where colorful pink to lavender blossoms unfurl, consisting of four petals each, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Upon successful pollination, the plant enters the fruiting stage, producing dry, dehiscent capsules containing numerous small seeds. After seed dispersal, the annual plant completes its life cycle and dies back, relying on the next generation of seeds to perpetuate the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• The most popular method for propagating Clarkia amoena, commonly known as Farewell-to-Spring, is through seed sowing. Seed sowing should ideally be done in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed, to allow for a period of growth before the onset of the next winter. For best results, seeds are scattered directly onto a well-draining soil surface and lightly pressed in, but not covered, as they need light for germination. Keeping the soil moist but not saturated is crucial for successful germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out to allow for proper spacing and adequate air circulation, which helps prevent disease and promotes strong growth.