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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.
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