Cerinthe 'Kiwi Blue'

Also known as Honeywort or Cerinthe major ‘Kiwi Blue’, this stunning annual is a must-grow for both new and experienced gardeners. Its cascading, arching stems reach up to 60 cm (24") tall, producing an abundance of nodding, tubular blue-purple flowers surrounded by dusky blue bracts that deepen in colour as the season progresses. These blooms are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, offering nectar-rich rewards from early summer into fall.

The cool-toned, silvery-blue foliage has a eucalyptus-like appearance and holds beautifully in fresh arrangements. Honeywort thrives in full sun, tolerates drought once established, and performs wonderfully in garden beds or containers. Deer-resistant and easy to grow, it brings elegance and movement to the garden with almost no effort.

Details:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 5-21 Days at 18-29°C - Soak seeds overnight

HEIGHT: 20 - 24”

MATURITY: 65 - 70 Days

SPACING: 12 - 18”

PINCH: No


HOW TO GROW:

Recommended Method – Transplanting:
Cerinthe is best started indoors and transplanted out, as it resents root disturbance once it has established.

• When to Sow Indoors: Start seeds 6 weeks before your last expected frost date.

• How to Sow: Sow seeds ¼" deep into individual cell packs or soil blocks to avoid root disruption later.

• Soil & Light: Use a high-quality, well-draining seed-starting mix. Provide strong grow lights for 14–16 hours per day. A heat mat can help speed germination, which typically occurs in 7–21 days.

• Hardening Off: Once seedlings are well-rooted and your outdoor temperatures are mild (after last frost), harden them off over 5–7 days before transplanting into the garden.

• Spacing: Transplant seedlings 12–18" apart in full sun. Cerinthe grows to about 18–24" tall and prefers well-drained soil.

Direct Seeding (Optional):

• When to Sow: After danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed.

• How to Sow: Sow seeds ¼" deep, spaced 2–3" apart. Thin to 12–18" apart once seedlings are large enough to handle.

• Note: Direct seeding works, but germination is slower and less uniform than starting indoors. Seeds can also be fall-sown in mild winter regions for earlier blooms the following spring.