Photo Credit: Christy Muck of Wild Blossom Hollow grew this Didiscus from Farmer Bailey plugs
| Common Name | Lace flower |
| Genus | Trachymene |
| Species | T. coerulea |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Tray Size | 8 |
| Plug Care | Plant soon after receiving to avoid any stress on plugs. Be gentle while transplanting as this species does not like root disturbances. Water well after transplanting while the plugs get established in the ground. |
| Netting / Staking | Not absolutely necessary - the wispy stems and branching habit will cause buds and flowers to get caught in the netting during harvest. |
| Temperature Range | Prefers cool but frost free temperatures. |
| Spacing | 8-12" (height of 24-36") |
| Soil Preference | Will tolerate a wide range of soil pH and nutrient levels - recommended to amend bed with compost prior to planting. Best if soil is loose and free-draining. |
| Day Length | Day Neutral. Plant in full to partial sun. Flowers may show browning if planted in full sun in southern/hot climates. |
| Pinching | Pinching the plants one time when they are about 8" tall will encourage he development of side branches and more flowers. |
| When to Plant | In cold climates plant in the spring around the time of last frost and protect from any late frosts. In tropical or sub-tropical areas plant Didiscus in the fall or winter when temperatures stay cool. |
| Harvesting | Expect flowers 80-90 days after transplanting. Wait to harvest single stems until 50-75% of the flowers in the umbel have opened. Some growers report that the entire plant can be picked for ease of harvesting. If kept deadheaded, the plants should flower continuously through the season. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place stems immediately into cool water after cutting. Can be stored in the cooler, but only for a short time. Expect a vase life of approximately one week. |
| Diseases / Insects | Few pests bother this plant. |
| Bailey's Notes |
This species is a wildflower in Australia, so while it needs plenty of water when young it is quite drought tolerant when established. |
| Resources | Learn how Farmer Bailey customer Christy Muck grew glorious Didiscus at Wild Blossom Hollow Farm. |