Nemesia

Nemesia strumosa, also known as Cape jewels or pouch nemesia, is a compact and bushy annual native to the southwestern Cape of South Africa. It flowers prolifically and early in a wide range of vivid, often bicoloured tones. Suited to beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers, it thrives in a free-draining, nutrient-rich soil in a sunny position. It is frost-tender and performs best as a cool-season annual.

Growing

Sow seeds on the surface — do not cover, as they require light to germinate. Start indoors when indoor temperatures are around 15–18 °C, approximately 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Once nights stay reliably above 5 °C and risk of frost has passed, harden off seedlings and plant out at 15–20 cm spacing. In warm, sheltered positions, direct sowing outdoors is possible once soil is workable and above 10 °C.

Care

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; nemesia dislikes drought as well as standing water. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to sustain the long flowering period. Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous bloom. If flowering slows in midsummer heat, cut plants back by one-third — they will flush again as temperatures ease.

Harvest

Cut flower stems as blooms fully open for use as cut flowers. For ornamental display, allow plants to bloom in situ; the flowering window extends for up to 8–10 weeks under good conditions. Remove spent stems regularly to prolong the season.

In the kitchen

Nemesia flowers are edible and can be used as a colourful garnish on salads, desserts, and drinks. Their flavour is mild. Use blooms freshly picked for the best visual impact.

Storing

Use freshly cut stems immediately or place in a vase of cool water for up to 3 days. Edible flowers can be kept in a single layer between damp paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.