Jefferson Seed Library

Venidium

A native to South Africa, this showy flower comes in several colors. This heat loving plant is perfect for containers and boarders.

  • Variety
 N/A
  • Scientific Name
 Arctotis fastuosa
  • Growing Level
 Intermediate
  • Seed Saving Level
 Intermediate
  • Seed Storage
 3 years if properly stored
  • Life Cycle
 Annual
  • Germination Time
 N/A
  • Height
 N/A
  • Light Requirements
 Full sun
  • Blooms in
 N/A
  • “Check Out” Month See Upcoming Events for specific “check out” dates.
 N/A
  • In Stock?
 No

 

Venidium

Table of Contents

 

Growing Tips

When to Start

 

Start indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. (Mid-Feb – Mid-Mar for Jefferson, GA)

Transplant: After the danger of frost has passed and after hardening off. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)

Direct Sow:  After the danger of frost has passed. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)

 

How to Start

 

Plant in full sun and well-draining soil. Surface sow the seeds as they need light to germinate. Fill cells or pots with pre-moistened seed starting mix. Gently press the seeds into the pre-moistened seed starting mix and then place the cells or pots under grow lights. Or direct sow after all danger of frost has passed by surface sowing the seeds. Gently press the seeds into the soil just enough to keep the seeds from blowing away.

 

Care

 

Venidium likes heat but not humidity, which can make growing it challenging in GA. Space plants 12-18 inches apart for good ventilation—dead-head plant to encourage more blossoms until you are ready for it to go to seed. Flowers bloom in mid-summer and are good-cut flowers.

Seed Saving

Isolation Distance 

 

Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/2 mile to prevent cross-pollination.

 

Instructions

 

Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.

Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as the flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents the seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.

Clip the flower head from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen the seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.

Features

  • Attracts pollinators 
  • Good-cut flowers

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Zinnia

Starting Seeds Indoors

Sources:

Starting & Saving Seeds by Julie Thompson-Adolf

Gardeningknowhow.com