Cleome Houtteana Care

Once established, cleomes are drought-tolerant, making them a welcome addition to the xeriscape garden. Add a 3-inch layer of organic mulch to their planting bed, and you will decrease their water needs even further.

Cleome flowers grow best in full sun, as shady conditions can make them grow so tall as to topple over. If you start with transplants, you will see blossoms from early summer until the first frost. Gardeners growing cleome flowers from seed usually see their first flowers in mid to late June, depending on the climate.

Cleomes do best in average garden soil or rich well-drained garden loam.

For successful germination, cleomes need higher-than-normal temperatures. Fluctuating day/night temperatures are essential for optimum germination. During the day, temperatures should range from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit; nightly temperatures should stay between 68 and 70 F. The humidity should be from 90 to 100 percent. As the plant grows, the temperatures can be lower, from 75 to 80 F during the day and 60 to 65 F at night. Cleomes are not frost-tolerant.

You can grow cleome in large containers, but choose a compact variety like the 'Sparkler' series for best results. Combine your potted cleomes with a mounding flower like vincas and a trailing flower like petunias for the most full and lush look.

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