The two are being combined because the growing and care is the same. The Clarkia genus contains Godetia, and the names are confusing and often used interchangeably. Common names of Satin Flower and Farewell to Spring are also used. The flowers have been hybridized over the years to give different colors, single and double blooms, and different plant heights. The flowers are showy and never fail to perform - in the garden or in the vase - and bees and butterflies enjoy the blooms as well. These flowers do well in coastal areas where summers are sunny but mild in temperature.

Clarkia flower seeds need to be sown directly outdoors. The seed can be planted once soil temperatures are warming and frost danger has passed.

Godetia plants perform best in full sun. The soil should drain well and be moderately moist, but it does not need to be rich.

• Prepare the garden soil several inches in depth
• Compost can be added to improve the soil drainage and provide some nutrients
• Scatter the flower seeds on the soil and press them in
• Keep the seed continually moist for germination
• Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart
• Clarkia and Godetia neither are known for transplanting well, so direct-sowing is suggested

• Irrigate regularly for establishment
• Once established, the plants can withstand some drought
• For the best bloom production when the temperatures rise, irrigate more
• May need to give protection from winds
• Watch for powdery mildew and give plenty of air circulation to help prevent
• Neem oil can be applied if aphids or mites become problematic
• Fertilizer is not needed if compost was worked into the soil at planting
• Clarkias self-sow