The Sparkler Mix Cleome is a stunning combination of vibrant colors, including blush, lavender, and white, offering a lively and diverse display in your garden. Known for its wind-tolerant and drought-tolerant nature, this variety thrives in full sun and attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. Sparkler Mix Cleome blooms continuously from June to frost, adding vertical interest and color to garden beds, borders, or as a backdrop in flower arrangements. Its sturdy, bushy growth makes it an ideal addition to any sunny garden.
Cleome (Spider Flower) Growing Guide
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start cleome seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Seed Preparation: Cleome seeds benefit from a pre-chilling process to improve germination rates. Place seeds in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks before sowing.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with soil or vermiculite.
- Firm the soil gently and mist with water to keep the growing medium evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 70-75F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days. Germination can be sporadic, so patience is key.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, but avoid overwatering to prevent seed rot.
- Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots if needed. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before planting them outdoors after the last frost date.
General Care Tips for Cleome
- Sunlight: Cleome thrives in full sun and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, cleome is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for vibrant growth and blooms.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Cleome is self-cleaning in some cases, but removing faded flowers can improve appearance.
- Pest and Disease Control: Cleome is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap. Ensure proper spacing for good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
- Harvesting:
- For Flowers: Harvest blooms when they are fully open for fresh arrangements. Cut stems in the morning and place them in water immediately for the longest vase life.
- Storage: Fresh cleome flowers last up to a week in a vase with water. Regular deadheading in the garden can extend blooming time throughout the season.
