How to Grow Nolana Compact Mixture
Nolana Compact Mixture
Nolana paradoxa
flowerNolana 'Compact Mixture' is a low-growing annual flower featuring trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white with contrasting yellow centers. These heat and drought-tolerant plants create vibrant ground covers and are excellent for containers, hanging baskets, and front borders. They thrive in warm weather and provide continuous color throughout the summer.
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Example Nolana Compact Mixture timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nolana Compact Mixture
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nolana Compact Mixture blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in all zones; most vigorous in zones 5-11
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 days to germination; 3-4 weeks to true leavesTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerging; very delicate and light-dependent
Provide bright light and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Bottom heat (70-75°F) speeds germination. Do not cover seeds. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksLow, compact mounding growth with increasing branching; foliage is narrow and slightly fleshy
Reduce watering as plants mature. Pinch back growing tips once if desired to encourage bushier growth, though the compact variety naturally stays low. Do not overwater or overfertilize.
Flower Bud Formation
2-3 weeksBuds appear at branch tips in clusters; distinctive trumpet-shaped forms visible
Maintain consistent warmth (60-75°F) and full sun exposure. Cease pinching. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over vegetative growth.
Flowering
8-12 weeks continuouslyAbundant trumpet-shaped flowers in mixed colors (blue, purple, pink, white) with yellow centers; flowers open in morning and close by evening
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming, though Nolana flowers briefly. Maintain moderate water during heat waves. Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat (>95°F) to prevent flower fade.
Decline & Seed Set
4-6 weeks until frost or declineFlowers decrease as temperatures cool or if plants dry out severely; small round seed pods develop where flowers were
Plants naturally slow production in cool weather. Allow a few flowers to remain for seeds if desired for future planting. Remove old plants at frost or when blooming stops significantly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove affected leaves; improve air circulation
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Increase humidity misting; use miticide if severe; avoid overfertilizing
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Apply copper tape around containers; hand-pick; use beer traps; diatomaceous earth barrier
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Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; soil drench with Bti if needed
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryNolana flowers are edible and can garnish salads and desserts with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and attractive trumpet shape. Use petals fresh immediately after picking for best appearance. [source]
Container and landscape color
HouseholdIdeal for hanging baskets, window boxes, rock gardens, and as a ground cover in beds. Their compact, trailing habit and heat tolerance make them perfect for difficult hot, dry spots where other annuals fail. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeBright trumpet flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season. Provides reliable nectar source in drought conditions. [source]
Pressed flowers
CraftDelicate trumpet-shaped flowers press well and can be used in botanical crafts, pressed flower art, and decorative arrangements. Dry quickly for best color retention. [source]
Harvest Tips
Nolana flowers are not typically harvested; they are short-lived (one day) decorative blooms. For seed saving, allow a few flowers to fade and develop seed pods, then collect pods once dry and papery (late summer). Store seeds in cool, dry place for next season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nolana flowers are morning bloomers that close by afternoon, making them a living clock that responds to sunlight intensity.
- 🌱 The genus Nolana originates from the dry regions of Peru and Chile, giving these plants exceptional drought tolerance and sun-loving nature.
- 🌱 Nolana is sometimes called 'Peruvian Morning Glory,' though it is not a true morning glory and is actually in the Solanaceae family, making it a distant relative of tomatoes and peppers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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