It’s funny that melampodiums I used to consider ideal beginner plants are now “must haves” during summers that have a penchant to be both hot and dry. Hot and dry describes my location. If you are in a moist paradise then I am envious. Regardless you more than likely will find melampodium a great summer flower.

The melampodium, recognized as an award winner in the aster family, is native to Mexico and other hot locales in North America. It produces small, brightly colored, daisylike flowers from spring through frost. Consider that a decade ago, we really only had two or three varieties, and now every company has been working to have their own improved selection.

The plant is self-cleaning, meaning we don’t have to spend hours deadheading. All we have to do is go out and enjoy. There is a little fact most consider icing on the cake. The plant is known to reseed or give a perennial-like performance, so in the spring pluck out the ones you don’t want.

The melampodium needs full sun to bloom its best. It is tolerant of various soils as long as one criteria is met – the soil must be well-drained. If you have to use a pick ax to break the soil, like yours truly, then you really should add 3 to 4 inches of compost or humus to loosen it up.

While tilling the soil, incorporate a slow-release fertilizer like a 12-6-6 at a rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet. You will want to space the plants about 8 to 16 inches apart depending on variety. Plant at the same depth they are growing in the container and follow with a good layer of mulch. Thin to the proper spacing when volunteers emerge in the spring.

Feed melampodiums about a month after transplanting and again in the middle of the summer. Even though the plant is drought-tolerant, a deep soaking during prolonged dry periods will maintain the plants’ appearance and vigor.

The yellow-gold color of the melampodium’s blossoms allows them to partner wonderfully with blue-violet to purple flowers. Purple Wave petunias, Blue Wave petunias, New Wonder scaevola, Homestead Purple verbena and Biloxi Blue verbena are among the top choices.

Source: www.myrtlebeachonline.com