Also known as Spider Flower · 210 saves
Cleome
Cleome, the genus most gardeners know as spider flower. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Cleome varieties
Species of Cleome
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cleome in Sow
Save the Cleome you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cleome
Whats common across all Cleome varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Cleome year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant transplants after last frost in late spring.
- DeadheadJune–September80% of varieties
Remove spent flower heads to encourage new blooms and limit self-seeding.
- FertilizeMay–July80% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth.
- HarvestSeptember40% of varieties
Cut stems when lower flowers open for best vase life.
- StakeJune40% of varieties
Stake tall plants early if grown in exposed or windy locations
Do
- Prune to shape and remove dead or damaged stems
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems to maintain shape
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
- Skip fertilizing in late fall
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season
What goes wrong with Cleome
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Use miticides or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Cleome
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination (about 2 weeks).
seed
- Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil moist and maintain 70°F temperature.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed, approximately 8 weeks later.
Cleome questions
How many types of Cleome are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Cleome varieties. The most popular — ranked by 210 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cleome grow in?
Across its varieties, Cleome covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cleome bloom?
Most Cleome varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cleome should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.