🌼 What Are Cleome Mix Seeds?

Cleome mix seeds come from the flowering plant genus Cleome, commonly known as spider flowers due to their long, spidery stamens. Native to South America and parts of Africa, Cleomes are popular for their tall, airy plants with vibrant, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and magenta. They add a dramatic, tropical look to gardens and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

🌿 Botanical Features

• Seed Shape: Small, oval, brown seeds

• Flower Colors (Mix): Pink, purple, white, magenta

• Flower Form: Loose, open clusters with long stamens giving a “spidery” appearance

• Plant Height: 3–5 feet tall

• Foliage: Palmately compound leaves with 5–7 leaflets, light green

• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–25°C (68–77°F)

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and somewhat airy

🍽️ Culinary & Traditional Uses

• Cultural Uses:

  • Mainly ornamental but valued in traditional gardens for their striking look

  • Occasionally used in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory purposes (check local uses)

• Pollinator Friendly:

  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

  • Great for wildlife gardens and naturalistic planting schemes

🏥 Medicinal & Practical Benefits

• Traditional medicine in some regions uses Cleome extracts for treating skin conditions and inflammation.

• The plant’s nectar-rich flowers help support pollinator populations, promoting biodiversity.

• Known to repel certain pests, making it a helpful companion plant.

🌱 Growing Cleome from Seed

Step-by-Step Guide:

Sow Indoors:

• Start 6–8 weeks before last frost

• Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix

• Maintain temperature around 20–25°C (68–77°F)

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged

Direct Sow Outdoors:

• After the last frost, when soil is warm

• Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow good airflow

Soil & Water:

• Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Tolerant of drought once established, but regular watering encourages better growth

Sunlight:

• Full sun (6–8 hours/day) for best flowering and growth

Maintenance:

• Remove spent flowers to promote continued blooming

• May need staking if grown in windy areas due to tall stems

🔍 Fun Fact

Cleome flowers open in the late afternoon or evening, making them a favorite for “moon gardens” where their fragrance and unique form stand out in twilight!