🌸 What Are Clarkia Mix Seeds?

Clarkia Mix seeds come from Clarkia amoena and related species, commonly known as Godetia or Farewell-to-Spring. These charming annuals are native to western North America and are treasured for their vibrant, satiny flowers that bloom late in the season—often just as spring flowers fade—hence the name “Farewell-to-Spring.”

🌿 Botanical Features

• Seed Shape: Tiny, round to oval, brownish seeds

• Flower Colors (Mix): Shades of pink, red, lavender, rose, and white

• Bloom Form: Single or double blossoms with crinkled, tissue-like petals

• Plant Height: 12–30 inches, depending on variety

• Foliage: Slender, lance-shaped green leaves

• Germination: 7–14 days in cool soil (13–18°C / 55–65°F)

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and branching

🍽️ Culinary & Traditional Uses

Clarkia plants are primarily ornamental and not edible, but they serve well in:

• Cut Flower Arrangements: Long-lasting and vibrant in bouquets

• Cottage Gardens: Their airy blooms and soft pastel shades create a wildflower look

• Pollinator Gardens: Attract bees and other beneficial insects

🏥 Medicinal & Practical Benefits

While Clarkia has no well-known medicinal properties, it offers:

• Aesthetic & Emotional Value: Provides late-season blooms when most other annuals have faded

• Pollinator Support: Especially valuable for bees and butterflies in late spring to early summer

🌱 Growing Clarkia from Seed

Step-by-Step Guide:

Direct Sow Outdoors (Best Method):

• Sow seeds directly in prepared soil in early spring or fall (in mild climates)

• Lightly press into the soil; do not cover deeply

• Thin to 6–12 inches apart once seedlings are a few inches tall

Sow Indoors (Optional):

• Start 6 weeks before last frost

• Transplant carefully, as Clarkia dislikes root disturbance

Soil & Water:

• Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

• Water moderately—avoid overwatering once established

Sunlight:

• Full sun to light shade (minimum 4–6 hours/day)

Maintenance:

• Minimal care required

• Deadheading helps prolong blooming, but plants often self-seed

🔍 Fun Fact

Clarkia is named after Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, who first documented the plant in North America. Despite their delicate look, Clarkias are surprisingly resilient and perfect for naturalistic garden settings!