How to Grow Twinspur

Twinspur

Diascia barberae

flower

Twinspur is a delicate, low-growing annual or tender perennial with small, spurred flowers in shades of pink, coral, salmon, and white. Native to South Africa, it produces abundant blooms over a long season and is prized for containers, borders, and rock gardens. The plant typically grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches, creating a charming mounding habit.

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Example Twinspur timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Twinspur
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Twinspur blooms
Around Jun 1

≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Twinspur dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during growing season; reduce in winter if overwintering. Benefits from occasional misting in hot climates.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers from transplant

🌱

Planting depth: Surface sow or lightly press seeds into soil; do not cover completely as seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 6-10; grown as annual in colder zones 3-5

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate and compact

Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 65-70°F temperature. Do not overwater to prevent damping off.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant develops bushy growth with numerous small leaves; no blooms yet

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Maintain consistent moisture and provide full sun exposure.

Flowering

8-12 weeks or more

Abundant small spurred flowers bloom in clusters, creating a profusion of color

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently and feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Peak Production

4-8 weeks

Plant reaches full flowering potential with dense flower coverage across mounding form

Continue deadheading, maintain regular watering, and reduce fertilizer frequency. Watch for heat stress in extremely hot climates.

Decline

Until frost

Flowering slows in extreme heat or cold; plant may go dormant or cease blooming

In zones 6-10, may be cut back and overwintered indoors or in protected location. In annual growing regions, plant typically finished by first frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

alyssum lobelia nemesia sanvitalia petunia bacopa calibrachoa diascia other varieties

Avoid planting near:

tall aggressive plants that shade it plants requiring dry conditions

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation
and
Hand-pick, use slug bait, or create copper barriers around plants
Mist regularly to increase humidity, use neem oil or miticide if severe
Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Twinspur flowers are non-toxic and can be used as delicate edible garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages, adding a subtle peppery flavor and visual appeal. [source]

🎨

Fresh & Dried Floral Arrangements

Craft

The delicate flowers work well in small fresh flower arrangements and can be dried for lasting dried flower crafts and wreaths. [source]

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Container & Garden Displays

Household

Twinspur is ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, cottage gardens, and rock gardens, providing months of continuous color with minimal care. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The abundant small flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, supporting local pollinator populations throughout the growing season. [source]

Harvest Tips

Twinspur is an ornamental flower, not harvested in traditional sense. Deadhead (remove spent flowers) regularly throughout the season to promote continuous blooming. Cut flowers can be used in small fresh arrangements but have limited vase life (3-4 days). Pinch back stems occasionally to maintain compact, bushy shape.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Twinspur' comes from the distinctive two tiny spurs found on the back of each flower, which is unique among ornamental flowers and a key identifying feature of the Diascia genus.
🌱 Twinspur is native to the mountainous regions of South Africa and has become increasingly popular in European and North American gardens over the past 20 years due to breeding programs creating more vibrant colors and more heat-tolerant varieties.
🌱 Unlike many annuals, twinspur actually prefers cooler temperatures and may slow flowering during the hottest months of summer, making it especially valuable for spring and fall garden color in hot climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial Pinch Back True Leaves

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