How to Grow Scaevola Bombay Blue
Scaevola Bombay Blue
Scaevola aemula 'Bombay Blue'
flowerBombay Blue is a trailing annual flower cultivar known for its vibrant blue fan-shaped flowers and cascading growth habit. It blooms prolifically throughout warm seasons and is ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and ground cover applications. The plant is low-maintenance and tolerant of various growing conditions.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler climates
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge and plants develop a low rosette form with minimal branching
Keep soil moist; provide bright indirect light; avoid overwatering to prevent damping off
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlants develop multiple trailing stems with small green leaves; no flowers yet
Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; pinch tips to encourage branching
Flowering Onset
1-2 weeksFirst small blue fan-shaped flowers appear at stem tips; plant becomes bushier
Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering; ensure adequate sunlight
Peak Bloom
6-12 weeks or until frostAbundant blue flowers cover the plant; dense trailing habit is fully developed
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize every 2-3 weeks
Decline (Cold Season)
VariableGrowth slows significantly in cool weather; flowering diminishes; plant may become sparse
Reduce watering and feeding; in zones below 10, treat as annual and replant next season
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation; use yellow sticky traps for monitoring
-
Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure humidity above 50%
-
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe delicate blue flowers are edible and can be used as garnish for salads and desserts, adding a subtle floral note and visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Container & Hanging Basket Design
CraftThe cascading trailing habit makes Bombay Blue ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed containers, creating elegant vertical gardens and arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe prolific blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and enhancing garden biodiversity. [source]
Low-Maintenance Ornamental
HouseholdScaevola Bombay Blue is heat and drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and water-wise landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Scaevola is ornamental; pinch off spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Trim stems as needed to maintain desired shape and density. For propagation, take 2-3 inch stem cuttings in spring and root in moist potting soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scaevola flowers are fan-shaped due to a unique asymmetrical corolla, with petals fused on one side and splayed on the other, giving them the distinctive appearance that makes them instantly recognizable.
- 🌱 The name 'Scaevola' comes from the Latin word meaning 'left-handed,' referencing the lopsided flower structure.
- 🌱 Bombay Blue is highly adaptable to container growing and can be propagated easily from cuttings, making it a favorite among gardeners for creating new plants throughout the season.
Want personalized planting timelines?
Sign up to get frost dates, task lists, and more for your zone.
Get started free