About Blue Lace (Didiscus)
Didiscus is a charming cool-season annual native to Australia. Its delicate blossoms, often arranged in intricate clusters, give it a lace-like appearance, making it a favorite for cottage gardens and floral arrangements. This unique flower is particularly special for its ethereal beauty and ability to attract pollinators, adding a touch of whimsy and ecological benefit to the garden.
When to Plant Blue Lace Seeds
Directly sow after your last spring frost or start indoors four to six weeks prior. For an extended harvest, successively sow more seeds every two weeks through spring. In the warmer zones, start seeds in late winter.
Where to Plant Blue Lace Seeds
Choose a location in full sun with well-draining, fertile soil. Didiscus will tolerate a wide range of soil acidity and nutrient levels as long as the soil is fertile, loose, and well-draining. Amend bed with compost prior to planting, and sand too especially if the native soil is heavy.
How to Plant Blue Lace Seeds
Didiscus does not enjoy having its roots disturbed, so consider direct sowing or starting in biodegradable pots. Another option is to sow in small starter pots to allow their roots to circle, thereby making them easier to extract and the root ball stays intact.
Sow three to four seeds together and cover with a bit of soil as didiscus seeds germinate in the dark. Keep the seeds in a warm, dark place with temperatures between 60°F – 70°F. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Germination is slow, usually taking two to three weeks at 70°F. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings after they have true leaves, handling them carefully to avoid root disturbance. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart in their final home.
How to Care for Blue Lace
Water deeply when the soil feels dry and feed a couple of times during their growing spurt. If growing didiscus to enjoy as a cut flower, you will find that its stems tangle quite easily. Rather than disentangling the plant, we found it was best to cut the entire plant and then either use it as-is in a vase for an incredible Victorian/wildflower/bohemian aesthetic or lay the entire cutting on your design table and separate there. This is especially useful when you are using didiscus as a filler flower and need the stems separated. We also learned, because of this, to grow more than you think you will need, and successively, since you will be cutting the entire plant at each harvest.