Cleome Violet Queen Seeds

About Cleome Violet Queen Seeds

Violet Queen is the violet selection of the spider flower, with airy flower heads and long stamens. An easy, tall annual of 90–120 cm that flowers from winter to spring in the plains.

• Botanical name: Cleome spinosa (Cleome hassleriana)
• Care level: Easy
• Flower colour: Violet
• Plant height: 90–120 cm
• Flowering: Winter to spring in the plains.

Why grow it

• Tall dramatic border plant
• Heat tolerant once established
• Attracts bees, butterflies and hawk moths

How to Grow

1. Fill a seedling tray or small container with a fine, clean, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Sow the seeds: about 5 mm deep.
3. Water gently with a spray bottle and keep the medium moist, not waterlogged.
4. Under suitable conditions, sprouts usually appear in 10–20 days.
5. Transplant to the final pot or bed once the seedlings are sturdy, and grow on in full sun.

Light, water, soil and feeding

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Drought tolerant once established; deep-water 2–3 times a week.
• Soil: Any well-drained garden soil.
• Temperature: 18–32°C.
• Fertiliser: A light dose of compost at planting only; excess feeding gives only leaves.
• Pruning: Deadhead to control self-seeding.

Sowing season in India

September–October in the plains. Exact timing depends on your local temperature and conditions.

Common problems

• Aphids: Check growing tips and flower heads; treat early.
• Leggy growth in shade: Grow in full sun for sturdy plants.
• Aggressive self-seeding: Deadhead before the seed pods ripen.