Will my Dakota mock vervain bloom indoors?

It is very difficult to get this plant to flower indoors because it requires intense, direct sunlight that most homes cannot provide. It is much happier and more likely to bloom when kept outdoors in a sunny garden spot.

Should I deadhead the spent flowers?

Yes, trimming off faded blooms encourages the plant to put its energy into producing new flowers. Simply snip the stems back to the next set of leaves.

Dakota mock vervain: not flowering, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the amount of direct sunlight the plant receives each day.
Check the foliage for signs of excessive, soft green growth.
Evaluate if the plant has been recently fertilized with high nitrogen products.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks leggy or stretched out with large gaps between the leaves. It will not produce buds if it is kept in partial shade.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If you are growing it indoors, place it in a south facing window or use a high output grow light.
Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The foliage looks lush and dark green, but there are no flowers in sight. Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
What to do: Switch to a fertilizer with a higher middle number, such as a 5-10-5 formula. Apply it at half strength once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

Find out what's wrong with your dakota mock vervain

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

You should worry if the plant remains flowerless throughout the entire peak summer season. It is normal for the plant to take a short break from blooming during extreme heat waves.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in full sun and use a balanced, bloom boosting fertilizer sparingly.

Keep your dakota mock vervain healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will my Dakota mock vervain bloom indoors?: It is very difficult to get this plant to flower indoors because it requires intense, direct sunlight that most homes cannot provide. It is much happier and more likely to bloom when kept outdoors in a sunny garden spot.
Should I deadhead the spent flowers?: Yes, trimming off faded blooms encourages the plant to put its energy into producing new flowers. Simply snip the stems back to the next set of leaves.

Why is my Dakota mock vervain not flowering?