Grow a garden filled with a mixture of Cleome flowers, from freshly harvested Cleome hassleriana seeds. Cleome, or “Spider Plant,” is a unique wildflower that produces clusters of gorgeous flowers in an array of colors, including white, violet, cherry and rose. The airy blooms open up to roughly 5 or 6 inches wide and are displayed over green, bushy foliage. The plants themselves grow to a mature height of roughly 4 to 5 feet tall, and can take up 18 to 24 inches of width.
The plants are known to attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and hummingbirds as well. This makes Cleome the perfect addition to any insectary, or butterfly garden. The plants can be used as a border plant, along driveways, walkways and fences, and can also be sown by the masses to create a beautiful color display.
Categorized as an annual flowering plant, Cleome will establish itself quickly, from freshly harvested Cleome hassleriana seeds. The plants will flower through the summer months, later wilting with the first signs of frost. They are a bit drought tolerant, and thrive in the heat of summer. Seeds can be collected from spent blooms at the end of the season, or the seeds can be allowed to fall to the bare ground beneath.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Mix
- Height: 4′ – 5′ Tall
- Width: 18″ – 24″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: 3 to 10
- Environment: Full sun
- Uses: Flower beds, along walkways, borders or driveways. Looks great when sown by the masses.
Sowing The Seed
Cleome seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow at a shallow depth of 1/16″ under topsoil, to allow direct light to reach the seeds. This is a crucial part of the germination process, so remember not to bury the seeds too deep. Transplant, or direct sow outdoors, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Cleome plants will thrive in the heat of summer and prefer an area of full sunlight. Temperatures should be above 70F for optimal growth, and the soil should be fertile to average, but well drained. To improve your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a spray bottle or mist setting until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Your Cleome seeds will begin to sprout within 7 to 21 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 4 to 5 feet tall and can be spaced roughly 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Spider Plant is a beautiful addition to many insectaries and butterfly gardens, and is loved by hummingbirds. It will undoubtedly attract all sorts of bumblebees, honeybees and butterflies as well.