Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Johnny Jump-Up Helen Mount

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Johnny Jump-Up Helen Mount is a cool-season hardy annual. It grows best when direct-sown outdoors in cool weather and can tolerate light frost.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. In mild-winter regions, sow in late summer or fall for spring blooms.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a location with full sun or partial shade. Partial shade is preferred in hot climates. Johnny Jump-Up grows well in well-drained, moderately rich soil and is a good choice for containers, borders, and rock gardens.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Keep the soil fine and even so the small seeds can make good contact.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Spread seeds evenly over the prepared area. Aim for 6 to 9 inches between plants after thinning. For an even stand, broadcast the seeds first and thin seedlings later.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Cover seeds with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of fine soil and press gently for good contact. Johnny Jump-Up needs darkness to germinate, so keep seeds fully covered.
• 6. Water the Area
  Keep the soil moist for 10 to 21 days until germination. Water gently and evenly. Do not flood the area or let it dry out during germination.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, Johnny Jump-Up needs only moderate watering and can tolerate short dry spells. Plants grow up to 12 inches tall.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Johnny Jump-Up can also be started indoors for earlier blooms. Keep conditions cool and provide bright light after seedlings emerge.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost for spring planting, or in late summer for fall planting.
• 2. Sow the Seeds
  Sow seeds in a fine seed-starting mix and cover with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil. Keep seeds covered, as they need darkness to germinate.
• 3. Keep Moist and Cool
  Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 10 to 21 days, so be patient.
• 4. Provide Light After Germination
  Once seedlings emerge, move them to bright light or place them under grow lights.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Space plants 6 to 9 inches apart in containers, borders, or garden beds.

Growing Tips

• Johnny Jump-Up grows best in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
• Choose full sun in cool climates or partial shade in hot climates.
• Seeds need darkness to germinate - cover with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of fine soil.
• Keep soil moist during germination, but avoid flooding the area.
• Germination can take 10 to 21 days - be patient.
• Thin seedlings to 6 to 9 inches apart for healthy growth.
• 0.5 oz covers up to 165 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 12 inches tall.
• Blooms appear from early spring through early summer and often again in fall.
• Plants may pause during peak summer heat. Cut back in midsummer to encourage a second flush of blooms.