How to Grow Beesweed
Beesweed
Cleome hassleriana
flowerBeesweed, also known as spider flower, is a tall annual plant native to South America with distinctive clustered flowers featuring long, spidery stamens. The plant produces fragrant blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. It self-seeds readily and can become naturalized in gardens.
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Example Beesweed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Beesweed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Beesweed blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Beesweed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10 as an annual; perennial in warmer zones 9-10
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Seed Germination
1-2 weeksTiny seeds germinate in 7-14 days with adequate warmth and light exposure
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light or grow lights. Seeds need light exposure to germinate—do not bury.
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants develop true leaves and establish a root system. Initial growth is relatively slow.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall. Keep soil moist. Provide good air circulation to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant rapidly grows taller, developing more leaves and branching structure. May reach 2-3 feet tall.
Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Pinch back early growth to encourage bushier plants if desired. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (continues until frost)Dense, spiky flower clusters form at branch tips with pink, purple, white, or bicolor blooms. Each flower has prominent long stamens.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water during drought. Keep removing faded flowers to redirect energy.
Seed Production & Self-seeding
Until frostElongated seed pods develop if flowers are allowed to fade. Plants freely self-seed in favorable conditions.
Allow some flowers to mature for seeds if you want volunteer plants next year. Collect seed pods once they dry on the plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
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Increase humidity and spray foliage with water; use miticide if necessary
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Handpick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray if needed
Uses
Cut flowers & arrangements
CraftThe tall stems with clustered flowers make excellent additions to fresh or dried floral arrangements. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeBeesweed is a major nectar and pollen source that attracts native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects throughout the blooming season. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryThe flowers are edible with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and can be used as a garnish for salads or desserts, though culinary use is less common. [source]
Seed production & self-seeding
HouseholdBeesweed produces abundant seeds that self-sow readily, creating volunteer plants the following year and reducing the need to purchase seeds annually. [source]
Traditional folk use
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, beesweed has been used in herbal preparations, though scientific evidence for its efficacy is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Beesweed is primarily grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Cut fresh flowers for arrangements by snipping stems in early morning when blooms are fully open. For seeds, allow flower clusters to dry on the plant, then collect brown seed pods and allow them to dry indoors before extracting seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'spider flower' comes from the distinctive long, spindly stamens that extend well beyond the petals, resembling a spider.
- 🌱 Beesweed is so attractive to pollinators that it's often recommended as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to increase fruit and seed set on nearby crops.
- 🌱 Some beesweed varieties produce flowers that change color as they age—opening light and gradually deepening to more intense pink or purple hues.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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