The poisonous spider flower is a very decorative annual summer flower and is therefore also a light germinator. Their seeds are hardy and can germinate for several years. Long spider leg-like stamens are responsible for the German name of Cleome spinosa.
Are spider flowers light germinators and how do you sow them?
The spider flower is a light germinator that requires heat and light to germinate. Sprinkle seeds on moistened potting soil, cover thinly or not at all with soil and allow to germinate at 18-20°C. It blooms from July to late autumn.
What do you mean by light germinators?
Light germinators are seeds that need light to germinate. If you cover them with too much soil, they will not germinate or will only germinate very sporadically. As a rule, the seeds of annual summer flowers that self-sow are light germinators. The reason for this is very simple.
The seeds ripen and fall to the ground. Next year new plants will develop there without anyone doing anything about it. They simply germinate on their own. The seeds are usually still on the ground, perhaps a little earth has blown over them. If darkness were required for germination, as is the case with dark germinators, then very few seeds would germinate.
When and where is it best to sow the spider flower?
It is ideal to sow the spider flower in a heated greenhouse or on the windowsill. Then you can expect relatively early and long flowering from July to late autumn. Scatter seeds on already moistened potting soil so that they will not be washed away so easily when you water them afterwards.
During germination, seeds should be kept moist and warm. This can easily be done in a mini greenhouse (€239.00 on Amazon) or if you stretch a transparent film over the growing container. However, ensure regular ventilation, otherwise the seeds and later the seedlings could rot. The germination temperature is 18-20 °C. If it is too cold for the spider flower, it will take a long time.
The most important things in brief:
- Light germinator
- do not or only cover very thinly with soil
- Seeds hardy
- needs warmth to germinate
Tip
As light germinators, the seeds of the spider flower are not covered with soil. In addition, they only germinate when they are warm enough.
