Honeywort from seednet mail
Honeywort (Cerinthe major) is a lovely annual flower that's often grown for its unique, tubular flowers that resemble a combination of a snapdragon and a foxglove. Here's a brief rundown on growing honeywort from seed:
Seed Starting:
- Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This will give the seedlings a head start on the growing season.
- Fill a seed starting tray or small pots with a good quality seed starting mix. Moisten the mix with warm water.
- Sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the mix.
- Water gently but thoroughly. Make sure the soil is consistently moist during the germination period (about 7-10 days).
- Provide indirect light and maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Transplanting:
- Once the seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, it's time to transplant them into individual pots or into a larger container.
- Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over the course of 7-10 days.
- Transplant the seedlings into well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart.
Care and Maintenance:
- Water the seedlings regularly, but avoid overwatering. Honeywort prefers well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
- Fertilize the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer once they're about 6 inches tall.
- Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- Honeywort is a warm-season crop and prefers temperatures above 65°F (18°C). It's a great addition to a summer garden or container arrangement.
Some Tips from SeedNet:
- Honeywort seeds can be slow to germinate, so be patient and don't give up if you don't see any action right away.
- The seeds can also be direct-sown in the garden after the last frost date, but this may result in a slightly lower germination rate.
- Honeywort is a great attractor plant for pollinators like bees and butterflies, so consider planting it in a spot where you can enjoy its beauty and benefit from its pollinator-friendly qualities.