How to Grow Honeywort
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'
Honeywort is a hardy annual grown for its striking glaucous blue-grey foliage and nodding blue-purple bracts, which attract bumblebees throughout the season. Sow direct in autumn or spring in well-drained soil in full sun. Autumn sowings produce the strongest, earliest plants. Thin to 30 cm. It self-sows prolifically in mild gardens and will return year after year without replanting. An excellent cut flower. Leave some plants to set seed for next year's display. Almost completely trouble-free.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed. Thrives in average to poor, well-drained soil. Rich soil produces lush leafy growth at the expense of the striking bracts.
- Striking hardy annual with glaucous blue-grey foliage and nodding tubular flowers hidden within bold blue-purple bracts. One of the top bee plants in the garden — bumblebees seek it out constantly. Self-sows prolifically and behaves like a perennial in mild gardens. Excellent cut flower. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Autumn sowing gives the strongest, earliest-flowering plants.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 10–18°C
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Direct sow or transplant with care. Space 30 cm apart for best air circulation. Self-sows prolifically once established — allow some plants to set seed.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 10–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 9h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Honeywort?
- Plant Honeywort 30cm apart with 35cm between rows.
- When does Honeywort flower?
- Honeywort typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Honeywort frost hardy?
- Honeywort is classified as Hardy.
