Cleomes arent the most popular annuals sold at nurseries, and it might be because they look rather weedy as young seedlings. Unlike pert marigolds or dazzling New Guinea impatiens, cleomes usually do not start blooming until they are well established in the garden. Though they can be planted in early spring, many gardeners in climates with mild winters opt for a late fall seed sowing directly in garden soil.
Cleome, also known as spider flower, is a beloved annual that brings unique texture and height to garden beds and containers With tall spires of colorful flowers, it makes a statement in full sun areas. Timing is critical when planting cleome seeds to ensure success
I’ve planted cleomes for years and found early spring to be optimal for sowing seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost. Starting indoors is also an option for more control over germination. This article will cover ideal planting timeframes, soil needs, starting methods, and care for vibrant cleome blooms.
Why Cleome is an Excellent Annual Flower
Before diving into timing, understanding why cleome is worth the effort is motivating. Here are some of the top reasons I plant cleomes annually
- Towering height up to 5 feet adds drama unlike lower bedding plants.
- Airy, open flowers create a light, wispy effect.
- Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Does well in heat and drier conditions.
- Resilient against pests and diseases.
- Self-sows readily for free plants every year.
With proper timing and care, cleomes reward gardeners with months of eye-catching color from early summer into fall.
When to Sow Cleome Seeds Outdoors
Cleome thrives when direct sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. This is generally late spring to early summer depending on your gardening zone.
Ideally, wait until daytime soil temperatures reach at least 70°F to sow seeds. This usually occurs 4-6 weeks before the last expected spring frost.
Planting too early with cold soil leads to rotting seeds and poor germination. Delaying until proper warm soil conditions prevents disappointment.
Mid to late spring is the perfect window for direct sowing in most regions. In southern zones with longer summers, cleomes can be planted successully into early summer.
Starting Cleome Seeds Indoors
For earlier blooms or more control over germination success, starting cleome seeds indoors is an excellent option.
I sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before our last expected frost when planting out transplants. Cleome grows quickly from seed and size up rapidly in warm indoor conditions.
Use a sterile seed starting mix and allow 7-15 days for germination at 70-80°F. Thin seedlings once true leaves emerge.
Harden off transplants for 7-10 days before moving outdoors after danger of frost. Take care not to disturb roots when transplanting into garden soil.
Soil Preparation for Planting
Proper soil goes a long way towards success with cleomes. I make sure to prepare beds before sowing seeds.
Cleomes need well-draining soil as they dislike standing moisture. Incorporate compost or peat to improve drainage in heavy clay or compacted soils.
A pH between 6.0-7.0 is ideal, as cleomes prefer neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Test soil and amend as needed with sulfur or limestone.
Work 1-2 inches of compost into beds before planting for organic matter and nutrients. A balanced starter fertilizer also gives seedlings an extra boost.
Ongoing Care for Abundant Blooms
Once seeds are sown or transplants set out, a bit of care ensures cleomes thrive all season. Here are my top tips:
- Water weekly if rainfall is lacking, taking care to avoid waterlogged soil. Add mulch to retain moisture.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly or use slow-release granules at planting time.
- Stake taller varieties to prevent toppling from winds.
- Pinch or snip off spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
- Inspect weekly for pests or diseases and treat promptly if found.
- Allow pods to mature and drop seeds for self-sowing next year.
Pruning
Cleome needs very light pruning. Snip off dead leaves or damaged areas during the growing season. If the plants are spindly right before planting, trim them back by half to encourage new growth once they are in the ground.
Fertilizer
If using good, well-drained soil and mulch, no fertilizer is necessary.
How to Grow Cleome from Seed!
FAQ
When can I plant cleome seeds?
Instructions: Cleome germinates best with lots of temperature changes from hot to cold, so we sow these early in January-March under cover (I usually plant …Jan 27, 2021
How long does it take to grow cleome from seed?
Cleome will bloom 70 to 80 days after germination. The Queen series seed have a better germination rate if chilled for 4 to 5 days prior to planting.Jan 21, 2022
Are cleome easy to grow from seed?
Cleome is really easy to grow. This is how I do it. I rake the dirt lightly. I drop the seeds on the dirt and press it. I cover them very lightly with the dirt. I mist them twice a day.
When should cleome seeds be planted?
Though they can be planted in early spring, many gardeners in climates with mild winters opt for a late fall seed sowing directly in garden soil.
When should Cleome seeds be planted?
Planting cleome seeds at the right time is crucial for their growth cycle and to ensure they thrive in the garden setting. Timing is critical, and my personal success with cleomes has come from sowing seeds directly into the garden in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
Do cleomes grow from seed?
Planting cleomes from seed usually results in a vigorous display of the tall, fragrant cleome spider flower. Newer cultivars, some in dwarf varieties of the cleome plant, have no fragrance and do not produce next year’s flowers as the seeds are sterile.
How far apart should Cleome seeds be planted?
Cleome seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here. Seeds should be planted 1/8th inch deep and left uncovered. Space 3 inches between seeds, and space 18 inches between rows. Thin to 18 to 24 inches apart when plants are 3 inches tall.
When do Cleome flowers bloom?
Gardeners who grow cleome from seed usually see the first flowers in mid- to late June, depending on the climate. A location in full sun is required to get cleome to bloom. Thinning out the seedlings not only improves the vigor of the individual plants but also encourages the most blossoms.
Do Cleome flowers grow in full sun?
Cleome, commonly known as spider flower, adds a unique texture and height to garden displays. I’ve found these annuals to be a statement in full-sun areas, drawing attention with their tall, colorful blooms. Planting cleome seeds at the right time is crucial for their growth cycle and to ensure they thrive in the garden setting.
How do you grow cleomes?
Growing cleomes is most easily done by planting seeds in the chosen location. Most any location is appropriate as cleomes will grow and produce the cleome “spider” flower in full sun to part shade locations and do not need any particular type of soil, other than well draining.