When to Plant Cleome Seeds

Cleome seeds are easy to start and low maintenance. They are an annual that is planted in the early spring to mid-summer. Cleomes, or Spider Plants, will bloom until the first frost. In a windy area, they may require staking; they are disease and insect free. Butterflies and hummingbirds love to feast on cleomes.

Where to Plant Cleome Seeds

Cleome seeds may be started indoors or outdoors. They grow best in full sun; seeds will germinate in 8 to 12 days if temperatures are 70 to 80F.

How to Plant Cleome Seeds

While not required, cleome seeds can benefit from special 7 to 14 day treatment called cold stratification prior to planting them. Learn more about the importance and process of cold stratification here.

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. Cleome plants started indoors can be transplanted at 21 to 25 days.

How to Care for Cleome

For taller varieties, stake them to help support them and keep them from breaking. Make sure to thin out the plant once it reaches 6″ or more. They can also be safely transplanted when they reach that height.