Clarkia unguiculata Appleblossom | Mountain Garland | Seeds

Clarkia Appleblossom is a charming annual with fully double, silky flowers in soft blush-pink and pale lilac tones. The flowers appear along slender, upright stems, bringing a romantic cottage-garden feel to borders and fresh bouquets.

Growing approximately 60–80 cm tall, this elegant clarkia is a lovely choice for a cutting patch or mixed flower bed. It performs best in cooler growing conditions and does not need rich soil or heavy feeding.

Plant Information

Botanical name: Clarkia unguiculata
Common names: Mountain garland, elegant clarkia
Variety: Appleblossom
Family: Onagraceae
Plant type: Hardy annual
Seed type: Open-pollinated
Plant habit: Upright and branching
Flower type: Fully double
Flower colour: Soft blush pink with pale lilac tones
Height: Approximately 60–80 cm
Plant spacing: Approximately 20–30 cm
Days to Bloom: Approximately 75–85 days from sowing under favourable growing conditions
Position: Full sun; tolerates light partial shade
Soil: Moderately fertile to lean and well drained
Flowering: Summer, depending on sowing time and climate
Vase life: Approximately 7–10 days with suitable harvesting and care
Uses: Cut flowers, cottage gardens, mixed borders and larger containers

Soft Colour & Silky Double Flowers

Appleblossom produces delicate, layered flowers along graceful stems. Its soft colouring combines beautifully with white, cream, lavender and other pastel shades.

Grow it among other cottage-garden annuals or plant a small patch for cutting. The upright flowering stems add height and a lighter texture to arrangements.

Sowing & Germination

Sowing method: Direct sow or start in individual plug cells
Indoor sowing: Approximately 4 weeks before planting out
Direct sowing: Early spring, once the soil can be worked
Sowing depth: Very shallow, approximately 1–2 mm
Germination temperature: Approximately 15–18°C
Germination time: Usually 5–14 days under suitable conditions

Sow thinly into a fine, moist seedbed or seed-starting mix. Gently press the seeds into the surface and cover with only a very thin layer of substrate. Keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge.

Clarkia establishes well from direct sowing and dislikes root disturbance. If starting indoors, use individual cells and transplant while plants are young, keeping the root ball intact. Harden off before planting out.

In mild climates, autumn sowing can provide flowers the following year. Successful overwintering depends on local winter conditions and protection.

Growing Conditions & Care

Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Light afternoon shade can be helpful in areas with intense summer heat.

Clarkia prefers relatively cool growing conditions. After germination, provide plenty of light and avoid excessive warmth, which can encourage weak, stretched growth.

Avoid rich soil and high-nitrogen fertilisers, as these can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Water regularly during establishment, then as needed without keeping the soil constantly wet.

Young plants can be pinched to encourage branching. In windy locations, twiggy supports or horizontal netting help keep the slender stems upright. Remove faded flowers to encourage further flowering.

When Does Appleblossom Flower?

Under favourable conditions, flowering begins approximately 75–85 days after sowing. Timing varies with temperature, light and sowing season.

Spring sowings provide summer flowers. Avoid starting plants too early indoors, where they may become crowded or overgrown before planting out.

Harvesting for Bouquets

Cut when the first few flowers lower down the stem begin to open. Unopened buds further up the stem will continue opening in the vase.

Harvest during the cooler part of the day, remove leaves that would sit below the waterline and place stems promptly into clean water. Expect approximately 7–10 days of vase life with good care.