Didiscus 'Madonna Mixed' Seeds

Trachymene coerulea, commonly known as Didiscus or Blue Lace Flower, is a sophisticated Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Native to the sunny regions of Western Australia, it is perfectly adapted for the UK summer, providing continuous flowers from July until the first autumn frosts.

The "Pincushion" Dimension: Unlike the flat, plate-like umbels of Ammi or Carrot flowers, Didiscus produces slightly domed flower heads. This structural 3D effect gives the blooms a unique texture in arrangements, appearing like a collection of tiny, luminous stars pinned into a soft pastel cushion.

Exceptional Productivity: 'Madonna Mixed' is a generous variety. The more you harvest for the vase, the more the plant is stimulated to produce secondary side-shoots. This constant renewal ensures a steady supply of delicate, lace-like stems for wedding bouquets or bedside arrangements throughout the peak season.

Didiscus is rewarding to grow, but it has one specific biological requirement for successful germination: total darkness.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Sow the seeds onto the surface of moist seed compost and cover them completely with a layer of soil or vermiculite. To ensure total darkness, cover your seed tray with a piece of cardboard or black plastic until the first green shoots appear. Keep at 18-20°C; germination usually occurs within 14-20 days.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and thrive in well-drained soil. They possess a sensitive taproot and deeply dislike root disturbance; for this reason, we recommend transplanting carefully into their final flowering positions in late May or June once all risk of frost has passed.

Ongoing Care:
The slender, wiry stems are elegant but can be prone to bending under heavy summer rain. We recommend providing a light layer of horizontal support netting or twiggy sticks to keep the stems perfectly straight for cutting. Regular watering is essential during the early stages, but once established, they are remarkably drought-tolerant.

The pastel mix of 'Madonna' works spectacularly with plants that provide a distinct shape contrast from our available collection:

• 💙 Salvia 'Victoria Blue': The Shape Contrast. The upright, deep indigo-blue spikes of the Salvia cut through the soft, round clouds of the Didiscus mix, adding definition and a richer blue tone to the pastel palette. This is a design-led pairing that adds sophisticated structure to any pot or border.
• ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': The Brightener. The large, clean white silk-faces of 'Purity' make the subtle pinks and blues of the 'Madonna' mix look even softer and more romantic by comparison. Together, they create a dreamy, "see-through" display that is perfect for summer cutting.

Sow indoors in spring (ensuring total darkness) for a continuous pastel harvest from early summer until the autumn frosts.