Nemophila Penny Black

What Nemophila Penny Black is

Nemophila Penny Black (Nemophila menziesii) is an annual flower of the Boraginaceae family. Nemophila is a low-growing plant. The cultivar Penny Black is easy to grow.

Reaches only 10 cm in height. The seeds can be sown in containers, hanging baskets and window boxes, as well as directly in your garden.

The plant is a border plant.

It has a rich purple, almost violet colour, which is not often seen in the garden and would add variety.

Nemophila (“baby blue eyes”) forms a delicate carpet of sky-blue flowers – for borders and window boxes.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 82%
• Seeds per packet: 217–294 pcs (0.8 g)
• Seed origin: India
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Flowering: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Nemophila Penny Black

Nemophila Penny Black seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Nemophila Penny Black

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Water during dry spells to encourage flowering. Prepare your planting site with loosened soil that is free of weeds. Sow on the soil surface and press down firmly. Do not cover, as the seeds need sunlight to germinate. Sow in rows 15 cm apart. The ideal temperature is 20°C. Germination takes 7-21 days. Seedlings will appear 6-8 weeks after sowing. Keep the soil moist. Sowing: spring. Flowering: summer/autumn.

Sow directly in early spring; it likes cool conditions.

Flowering and uses

Flowers in May–July.

Frequently asked questions

When should Nemophila Penny Black be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 217–294 seeds, pack size 0.8 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 82%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.