An old fashioned favorite, also known as Spider Flower, cleome’s large airy flowers bloom atop sturdy 4-5 foot stalksa very stately centerpiece in the garden or as a cut flower for large arrangements. If pinched when about 6 inches tall, each plant will branch out to produce a half dozen or more blooms. This plant sometimes does best when planted in the fall, also self-seeds readily. A good bee plant.Deep pastel pink flowers.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Cleomehassleriana

Annual

Germination:15-21 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-75F, chilling seeds 5-7 days before sowing aids germination.

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on surface and press into soil, seeds need light to germinate.

Starting Indoors:Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide65-70F soil temperature for germination. Transplant after the last frost, 12-18 apart

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow after the last frost, sow seeds lightly in a prepared area, thin to 12-18 apart.

Growth Habit:Upright, branching

Height and Width:48-60 x 18-24

Spacing:12-18 apart

Light Needs:Full sun

Soil Needs:Average to fertile, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:70-80 days

Uses:Flower beds, cottage gardens, cut flowers,attracts pollinators, containers, deer resistant

Care:Pinch seedlings back to create a bush-type habit with more branches and blooms. Self-seeds,remove seeds heads if you do not want volunteers the following season.