Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
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Position
Full sun to partial shade.
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Frost tolerant
No, brachyscome cannot withstand temperatures much below freezing point, so it is perennial only where winters are mild. The plants are easily grown as a summer annual in temperate climates.
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Feeding
Plants grown in fertile soil benefit from a midseason drench with a water-soluble plant food. Feed plants in containers every two weeks during the summer.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Start brachyscome seeds indoors in early spring, and grow them under bright lights until the last frost passes. Some cultivars are vegetatively propagated and must be started from purchased plants. Wait until the soil begins to warm to plant brachyscome in beds or containers. Water plants to get them established. Once they become well rooted, brachyscome are quite drought tolerant. In containers, use 2 plants per 14-inch (35 cm) wide pot. Brachyscome is often combined with trailing petunias in hanging baskets.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Native to Australia, these dainty little plants with finely cut foliage cover themselves with lightly fragrant purple to white daisies in summer. Although brachyscome doesn’t mind baking sun, it can suffer in climates with high heat and humidity. They make lovely soft texture plants in containers and hanging baskets when combined with mini-petunias or other trailing flowers.
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Harvesting
A single brachyscome plant grown in a small pot makes a nice table accent, especially for outdoor areas. Trimming old blossoms will stimulate reblooming.
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Troubleshooting
Brachyscome has few problems with pests and diseases except when grown in warm, humid climates, where plants may struggle or suddenly collapse with root rot. Powdery mildew is often seen late in the season.
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