GROWING GUIDES

How to grow
Bacopa

do you want masses of flowers?

Explore our easy to follow guide

Low-growing Bacopa looks beautiful either as ground cover or with its long trailing stems spilling over the edges of a container, smothered in masses of pink, blue or white flowers all summer long. Very easy to grow in sun or partial shade, this versatile plant is a favourite for pots and hanging baskets.


When your plants arrive

  • Unpack your plants immediately and check the compost to ensure it has not dried out in
    transit. Water with a fine spray, or sit the plants in a tray of shallow water if the compost is
    dry.
  • Pot on plants as soon as possible (preferably within 24 hours) after they have had time to
    settle.

Potting on and planting out

  • Handle each plant by the plug root ball, rather than the stem to avoid damage.
  • Pot each plug into a 7.5cm (3in) pot using a good multi-purpose compost or a
    container compost.
  • Grow on for a few weeks in a greenhouse or a bright, frost-free place, but avoid
    direct sunlight.
  • Keep moist but do not over-water. If very cold weather is forecast, cover with a layer
    of fleece.
  • Once there is no more danger of frost, the plants can be moved to their permanent
    position.
  • Harden off your plants before planting them out by placing the pots outside during
    the day and bringing them back in at night. After 7-10 days, the plants will be ready
    to plant out.

How to care for bacopas

  • Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. When planting in a container,
    use a good multi-purpose compost.
  • Water regularly during dry periods.
  • Bacopa is not frost-hardy and is usually grown as an annual in the UK.

Pests and diseases

Bacopa may be prone to the following pests and diseases. Read more about how to control
common plant pests and diseases here.
Pests

  • Aphids

Diseases

  • Generally disease-free