How to Grow Bacopa
Sutera cordata
Bacopa (Sutera) is a half-hardy trailing annual for full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, free-draining compost. Usually bought as young plants in spring. Plant out after last frost into hanging baskets, window boxes, and container edges. Keep consistently moist — bacopa wilts dramatically when dry but recovers quickly. Feed fortnightly with balanced liquid fertiliser. Self-cleaning with no deadheading needed. Trim back if straggly mid-season. Not frost-hardy; discard at season end.
When to Start
Sow indoors 7 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 12°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every two weeks. Avoid overfeeding — bacopa flowers best when not overly lush.
- Dainty trailing plant with masses of small white, pink, or lavender flowers. Excellent for softening basket edges. Prefers consistent moisture — wilts dramatically if dry but recovers when watered.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
Enter your last frost date to see your dates
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Mature height | 15 cm |
| Mature spread | 35 cm |
For trailing varieties in hanging baskets and containers. Creates a dense curtain of small flowers at this spacing.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Whitefly
Identification: Tiny white flying insects on leaf undersides, sticky honeydew, sooty mould on leaves
- Yellow sticky traps near plants
- Soft soap spray on undersides of leaves
- Encourage natural predators
- Pyrethrum-based spray
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on shoot tips, sticky honeydew, distorted growth
- Blast off with water
- Soft soap spray
- Pyrethrum-based contact insecticide
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fluffy grey mould on stems and leaves, especially in dense growth. Plants rot from the base in wet conditions.
Treatment: Remove affected growth. Improve air circulation. Reduce watering frequency.
Prevention: Space plants to allow airflow. Avoid overhead watering. Remove dead foliage promptly.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Bacopa?
- Plant Bacopa 20cm apart with 25cm between rows.
- When does Bacopa flower?
- Bacopa typically flowers approximately 45 days after transplanting.
- Is Bacopa frost hardy?
- Bacopa is classified as Half Hardy.
