Cleomes
Heirloom Cleome: The Whimsical "Spider Flower" of the Cottage Garden
Cleome, or Spider Flower, is the undisputed master of the vertical landscape. Reaching heights of four to five feet, these majestic annuals produce large, airy clusters of flowers with long, spindly stamens that resemble spider legs. At Firefly Farm & Mercantile, we curate heirloom cleome seeds selected for their strong stems and vibrant color ranges—from soft rosy pinks to deep, velvety purples and crisp whites. Acclimated to the humid summers of the Driftless Region, these non-GMO varieties provide an architectural focal point that dances in the breeze from mid-summer until the first frost.
A Haven for Hummingbirds and Moon-Garden Moths
The secret to a dynamic garden often begins with Cleome. Their nectar-rich blossoms are a primary draw for hummingbirds and bees during the day, but they truly shine at dusk, attracting Sphinx (Hawk) moths with their subtle, spicy fragrance. Beyond their wildlife value, cleomes are remarkably deer and rabbit resistant due to their slightly sticky stems and unique scent. Whether you use them as a dramatic backdrop for a flower border or as a living screen along a fence, these seeds provide a high-vigor foundation for a resilient sanctuary.
Quick Cleome Growing Facts:
- Planting Window: Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed and soil is warm (65°F+). They germinate best when temperatures fluctuate between day and night.
- Germination Tip: Cleome seeds require light to germinate. Surface sow them and press firmly into the soil, but do not cover.
- Hardiness: Heat-loving annual; reliable in USDA Zones 2-11. They are prolific self-seeders and will often return year after year.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun (6-8+ hours) to achieve maximum height and prevent the stalks from leaning.
- Expert Tip (The Pod Secret): As the flowers fade, cleomes produce long, decorative seed pods that resemble bean pods. If you want to prevent them from spreading too far, harvest these "spiders" before they split open. However, if you leave them, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, effortless "forest" of cleome seedlings the following spring!
Explore our selection of traditional and unique heirloom cleome seeds below. Every packet includes expert instructions to help you grow a towering, bee-friendly masterpiece in your home garden.
