DIMORPHOTHECA

Half-hardy annual



The Dimorphotheca, also called the Star of the Veldt, was introduced

into this country from South Africa and, like the Nemesia, also a native

of that Dominion, it has become one of the most valuable of our summer

annuals. Under favourable conditions plants may be flowered in six weeks

from time of sowing and they will continue to bloom in profusion until

cut down by frost. In addition to the striking orange flower, D.

aurantiaca (Orange Daisy), a wide range of colours, including many

delicate tints, has been evolved by careful hybridisation.



Those who wish to obtain forward plants should sow during March or April

in pans of light soil placed in a cold frame, and the seedlings will be

ready for transfer to open quarters in May. Or seed may safely be sown

in the open ground in May and June. As suggested by its native habitat,

the Dimorphotheca loves a warm sunny position and grows to the greatest

perfection in a light soil or a well-drained loam.



The practice of flowering half-hardy annuals in pots is rapidly

increasing, and among this class of plants the Dimorphotheca has few

rivals as a decorative subject for the conservatory. It is more

effective to grow three or four plants in a pot than one only, and the

best specimens are obtained by sowing direct into the pots and thinning

the seedlings to the required number. Use a light rich compost

containing a fair proportion of silver sand, and do not let the plants

suffer for the lack of water.