FLOWER, Cleome (Spider Flower)
Cleome hassleriana
Approximately 50 seeds per pack.
(Packed for 2024)
Effervescently cheerful and impressively resilient, Cleome attracts beneficial pollinators from near and far for months on end. In fertile soil, cleome can easily grow 5′ beautifully swaying in the wind, though their strong stems have thorns making them unrealistic for cutting. All the more reasons to enjoy them all season! And your honeybees agree.
DAYS TO MATURITY: 70-80 days to flower
PLANT DESCRIPTION: (Cleome hassleriana) Effervescently cheerful and impressively resilient, Cleome attracts beneficial pollinators from near and far for months on end. In fertile soil, cleome can easily grow 5′ tall, beautifully swaying in the wind, though their strong stems have thorns making them unrealistic for cutting. All the more reasons to enjoy them all season! And your honeybees agree.
HISTORY: Cleomes are native to the Caribbean region, and were favorited potted plants during the late 1800s. With the resurgence of cottage gardens, the popularity of cleomes has seen a resurgence. The nickname, “Spider Flower” comes from the obvious appearance of the long stamens and petals.
GROWING TIPS: Annual. Germination: 60-80°F, 14 days. Full sun. Pre-chill moist seeds at 40°F for 2-4 days, direct sow mid-spring. Space 16-20 in. apart. A great trap crop for harlequin bugs and stinkbugs