In frost-free areas where pentas are grown as perennials, cut them back in late fall or early winter, after peak blooming season, to encourage branching and prevent legginess. Pruning is generally unnecessary when growing pentas as annuals, unless needed to maintain the desired shape and size. You don’t need to deadhead Egyptian star flowers for continual bloom, but removing the spent flower clusters will promote more vigorous flower production throughout the season. Amending the soil with compost or other organic matter will also provide a nutritional boost while helping to improve soil drainage.
To keep your Pentas blooming strong until fall, apply a controlled-release fertilizer at planting time followed by monthly applications of a water-soluble fertilizer starting in midsummer. Pentas grown in containers may need daily watering, especially during the heat of the summer. If you notice wilting of the leaves or the soil feels completely dry about an inch below the surface, those are signs that your plants need a good soaking. PENTAS CAREĪlthough Pentas can handle a bit of drought, they perform best when watered regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. Learn more about starting plants from seeds. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated, and place the seeds in a bright, well-lit location or under grow lights. Press the seeds firmly into a high-quality seed starting mix without covering, since the seeds require light to germinate. If planting from seed, sow the seeds indoors 7 to 9 weeks before the last frost date to get a head start on the blooming season. Some cultivars of Pentas are more readily available in seed form. If growing pentas in masses, space plants 1 to 2 feet apart, depending on their width at maturity. If planting in highly acidic soil, consider amending it with dolomite lime (see Garden Soil 101). Pentas grow best in average, well-draining, neutral soil. Place the top of the rootball even with the level of the surrounding soil then backfill to cover, firmly pressing the soil down with your hands. Unpot the plant and gently loosen the roots with your hands to stimulate good growth.
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How to plant:ĭig a hole for each plant large enough to accommodate the rootball. In spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
Although they will tolerate partial shade, they can become leggy and won’t bloom as robustly.
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: Pentas thrive in flower beds and containers that receive full sunlight (at least 6 hours daily). Sunstar® Red pentas with Heart to Heart® 'Scarlet Flame' caladium.
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