Blue Gem Nemesia is a compact, free-flowering cultivar of Nemesia strumosa that brings rich blue blooms to gardens from spring through fall. Growing just 6-12 inches tall and wide, this heirloom variety reaches flowering maturity in 84-98 days from seed and thrives in full sun across hardiness zones 9-11. Its prolific blooms attract pollinators throughout the season, making it as valuable to pollinators as it is beautiful in borders, containers, and cottage gardens.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
12in H x 12in W
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High
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Blue Gem produces abundant, jewel-toned blue flowers over a compact, bushy frame that needs no staking or fussing. The long bloom window from March through November rewards regular deadheading and consistent moisture, and its heirloom pedigree means you can save seed from your best plants year after year. Gardeners prize this variety for its ability to flower reliably even during heat stress, as long as it receives regular water and a balanced fertilizer schedule.
Blue Gem Nemesia is grown as an ornamental flower, valued for cutting fresh bouquets and for adding continuous color to spring and summer borders. Its compact habit and long bloom period make it especially popular in container plantings, raised beds, and small garden spaces where height must be controlled.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow Blue Gem indoors in pots 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost. Use sterile seed starting mix and maintain temperatures of 65-70°F until germination occurs (expect sprouts in 7-14 days), then move seedlings to a cooler location at 55-60°F to develop strong, compact growth before transplanting.
Harden off seedlings by exposing them gradually to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, then transplant to garden soil after the last frost date when soil has warmed. Space plants 6 inches apart.
Make an additional direct sowing in late July for continuous flowers until late fall.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back young seedlings if they become leggy to promote a more compact, bushier habit.
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