Spider Flower

How to Grow and Care for Cleome: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Cleome, also known as spider flower, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual flower that adds height, color, and interest to any garden. This tall-growing plant produces large, showy flower heads that resemble spiders, hence its nickname. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for cleome, from sowing seeds to protecting against pests and diseases.

Growing Cleome from Seed

• When to Sow: Sow cleome seeds indoors in warmth during early spring, around February or March.
• How to Sow: Sprinkle the seeds onto moist seed compost and cover with a thin layer of perlite or vermiculite. Keep the temperature at around 20°C (68°F) for best germination.
• Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they are large enough to plant outdoors.

Planting Cleome Outdoors

• When to Plant: Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 10-14 days before planting out in early summer, once the risk of frost has passed.
• Where to Plant: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Cleome prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Spacing: Plant cleome seedlings about 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

Caring for Cleome

• Watering: Water cleome regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Feed cleome plants with a liquid fertilizer high in potash every two weeks throughout the summer to encourage flowering.
• Staking: As cleome plants grow tall and produce large flower heads, they may need staking to prevent them from toppling over in windy conditions.
• Deadheading: Deadhead faded blooms to encourage the production of new flowers.

Propagating Cleome

• From Seed: Cleome can be easily propagated from seed. Simply collect ripe seeds from the flower heads in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
• From Cuttings: Cleome can also be propagated from cuttings taken from softwood stems in the spring or summer.

Pests and Diseases of Cleome

• Slugs and Snails: Young cleome plants are susceptible to damage from slugs and snails. Use an environmentally friendly barrier protection to deter these pests.
• Caterpillars: The caterpillars of large and small white butterflies may feed on cleome foliage. Hand pick caterpillars regularly and transfer them to a sacrificial crop of nasturtiums.

Choosing and Buying Cleome

• Where to Buy: Cleome seeds can be purchased from nurseries, garden centers, and mail order suppliers.
• Varieties: There are many different varieties of cleome available, with a wide range of flower colors and sizes. Choose varieties that are well-suited to your specific garden conditions and preferences.

Conclusion

Growing and caring for cleome is a rewarding experience that can add beauty and interest to any garden. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms of cleome throughout the summer months.