How to Grow Godetia (Farewell-to-Spring): A Charming Native Wildflower

How to Grow Godetia (Farewell-to-Spring)

Godetia (Clarkia amoena), also called Farewell-to-Spring, is a delightful spring-blooming annual native to western North America, from British Columbia to California. Often treated as a wildflower, it grows quickly to 12–30 inches tall and produces masses of satiny, azalea-like blooms in white, pink, purple, lavender, and red just 30–60 days after sowing. The genus honors Swiss botanist Charles H. Godet.

Propagation

Sow seeds directly in the garden early in the season, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Cover lightly with ⅛ inch of fine soil. Germination takes 7–14 days. Thin or transplant seedlings to 16–20 inches apart—Godetia dislikes crowding.

How to Grow Godetia

• Light: Full sun; plants grow slowly in shade.
• Soil: Average to rich, well-drained soil amended with compost.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Fertilizer: Mix a general-purpose fertilizer into the soil at planting, then feed monthly.
• Maintenance: Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Taller varieties may need staking. Allow some flowers to set seed for natural reseeding; thin volunteers in spring.

Bloom Time

Early to mid-summer.

Pests & Diseases

Generally pest- and disease-free. Apply controls only if problems arise.