Cleome Planting & Growing Instructions

Cleome Seed Germination Guide

Germinating cleome seeds is the first step in growing these beautiful annual flowers. Cleome seeds can be started indoors or directly sown into the garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleome seed germination:

1. Timing:
   • Start cleome seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Alternatively, you can sow them directly in the garden after the last frost date.
2. Prepare the Planting Containers:
   • Fill seed trays or pots with a high-quality seed starting mix or a well-draining potting soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
3. Sowing Cleome Seeds:
   • Cleome seeds are relatively large and easy to handle. Sow them on the soil surface, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
   • Press the seeds gently into the soil, but do not bury them too deep. A light covering of soil or vermiculite is sufficient to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. Watering:
   • After sowing the seeds, water the soil lightly to settle it around the seeds. Avoid saturating the soil.
5. Covering and Providing Heat (Optional):
   • If you’re germinating cleome seeds indoors, cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This helps maintain soil moisture and warmth.
   • Cleome seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). You can use a heat mat to provide consistent bottom heat if your indoor environment is cooler.
6. Place in a Well-Lit Location:
   • Cleome seeds require bright, indirect light for germination. Place the trays or pots near a sunny window or provide supplemental light using grow lights.
7. Maintain Moisture:
   • Check the soil moisture regularly. It should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil surface if it starts to dry out.
8. Germination Period:
   • Cleome seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days, but it can sometimes take longer. Be patient and continue to provide the right conditions.
9. Transplanting:
   • Once your cleome seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden. Space them according to the recommended spacing for mature cleome plants.
10. Harden Off (if indoors):
    • If you started your cleome seeds indoors, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions over the course of a week before transplanting them to the garden.

By following these steps, you can successfully germinate cleome seeds and grow healthy seedlings for your garden. Remember to provide them with the right light, temperature, and moisture levels to ensure a successful start to their growth.

Cleome Seedling Care Guide

Taking care of cleome seedlings is crucial to ensure they grow into healthy and robust plants that will produce beautiful flowers. Here’s a guide on how to care for cleome seedlings:

1. Light:
   • Place cleome seedlings in a location where they receive bright, indirect sunlight. If you started them indoors, continue providing sufficient light using grow lights or place them near a sunny window.
2. Watering:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water seedlings gently at the base to avoid disturbing the delicate plants. Use a watering can with a fine nozzle or a spray bottle to control the flow of water.
3. Temperature:
   • Cleome seedlings prefer temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Ensure they are not exposed to extreme heat or cold drafts.
4. Thinning:
   • If multiple seedlings have sprouted in a single container, thin them out to provide enough space for each plant to grow. Leave the strongest, healthiest seedlings and remove the others by snipping them at the soil surface.
5. Fertilizing:
   • Begin fertilizing your cleome seedlings with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer when they have their first set of true leaves. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for mixing and application rates.
   • Continue to feed them every 2-4 weeks throughout the growing season.
6. Transplanting:
   • When cleome seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, they are ready for transplanting.
   • If transplanting outdoors, choose a well-drained garden location with full sun or partial shade, depending on your climate.
   • Space cleome seedlings according to the recommended spacing on the seed packet or plant label. Typically, they should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart.
   • Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to damage the roots. Dig a hole in the garden soil, place the seedling in the hole, and water it in.
7. Support (if needed):
   • Cleome plants can grow tall and benefit from staking or support, especially in windy areas. Install stakes or other supports early in the growing season to prevent damage to the plants later.
8. Mulching:
   • Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of cleome plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more consistent soil temperature.
9. Pruning and Deadheading:
   • Pinch back the growing tips of cleome plants to encourage bushier growth. This can be done when they are young seedlings or later in the growing season.
   • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and prevent the plant from going to seed prematurely.
10. Pest and Disease Control:
    • Monitor your cleome plants for signs of pests or diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. Treat any issues promptly using appropriate methods like insecticidal soap or fungicides.

Remember that cleome is known for its distinctive fragrance, which some people find strong and unpleasant. Consider the scent when deciding where to plant it in your garden. With proper care, cleome can provide an attractive and colorful addition to your garden throughout the summer and into the fall.

Post-Transplant Cleome Care Guide

Cleome plants, also known as spider flowers, require proper care after transplanting to ensure they establish themselves well and thrive. Here’s a guide on how to care for cleome plants after transplanting:

1. Watering:
   • After transplanting cleome seedlings or mature plants, water them thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
   • Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Cleome plants prefer consistent moisture but do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
   • Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues.
2. Mulching:
   • Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or compost, around the base of cleome plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more stable soil temperature.
   • Leave a gap between the mulch and the plant’s stem to prevent stem rot.
3. Support (if needed):
   • As cleome plants grow, they can become top-heavy and may benefit from staking or support to prevent them from bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions.
   • Install stakes or supports early in the growing season to provide proper support.
4. Fertilizing:
   • Cleome plants benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
   • Follow the fertilizer package instructions for application rates and methods.
5. Pruning and Deadheading:
   • Pinch back the growing tips of cleome plants when they are young to encourage bushier growth.
   • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and prevent the plant from going to seed prematurely.
   • You can also trim back leggy or overly tall stems to maintain a more compact and attractive shape.
6. Pest and Disease Control:
   • Continue to monitor cleome plants for pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, as well as signs of diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot.
   • Treat any issues promptly using appropriate methods, such as insecticidal soap for pests or fungicides for fungal diseases.
7. Prune for Rejuvenation (optional):
   • In midsummer, cleome plants can become leggy or tired-looking. You can perform a rejuvenation pruning by cutting the plant back to about half its height.
   • This can encourage a fresh flush of growth and a longer flowering period.
8. Winter Care:
   • Cleome is an annual plant, and it will not survive frost and cold temperatures. In areas with cold winters, cleome plants will die with the onset of frost.
   • If you wish to save cleome seeds for the next year, allow some seed pods to develop on the plant, and then harvest the seeds before the first frost.

By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant cleome plants in your garden, whether you’ve recently transplanted them or have been growing them for years. Remember that consistent care and maintenance will help your cleome thrive and produce beautiful flowers throughout the growing season.