CLEOME - CHERRY QUEEN

An old fashioned favorite, also known as Spider Flower, cleome's large airy flowers bloom atop sturdy 4-5 foot stalks. A 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 carmine rose.  100 seeds     PLANTING Cleome hassleriana Annual Germination: 15-21 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-75ºF, 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. Provide 65-70ºF 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.