How to Grow Honohono grass
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Honohono grass
Commelina diffusa
grassHonohono grass is a creeping, moisture-loving plant native to tropical regions, particularly valued in Hawaiian cuisine and traditional medicine. Despite its common name, it is not a true grass but a member of the Commelinaceae family, characterized by delicate blue flowers and tender, edible leaves. It thrives in warm, humid climates and is prized for its nutritional content and culinary applications.
When should you plant Honohono grass in your zone?
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Example Honohono grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Honohono grass
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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Harvest Honohono grass
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-12; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones or indoors
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Get my Honohono grass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves; delicate appearance
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warm temperatures (70-85°F). Use a humidity dome if growing indoors.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlant develops creeping, spreading stems with tender green leaves; rapid horizontal growth
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch stems to encourage bushier growth.
Flowering
Ongoing throughout growing seasonSmall, delicate blue or purple flowers appear at leaf nodes along the spreading stems
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Flowers attract pollinators. Some growers pinch flowers to encourage leaf production.
Leaf Production & Harvesting
OngoingPlant becomes established with lush foliage; ready for continuous leaf harvesting
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Maintain moisture and provide occasional fertilizer applications.
Dormancy/Winter (cold zones)
3-4 monthsGrowth slows or stops in cool temperatures; plant may decline or die back
In zones below 10, grow in containers and bring indoors before frost. Reduce watering. Can be overwintered in a warm greenhouse.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure adequate water
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Yellow sticky traps; increase humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
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and
Remove by hand; use copper tape barriers; provide good drainage to reduce moisture excess
Uses
Nutritious leafy green
CulinaryHonohono leaves are eaten raw in salads or cooked as a spinach substitute in Hawaiian and Asian cuisines. They have a mild, tender flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals. [source]
Soups and stir-fries
CulinaryTender leaves and stems are traditionally added to soups, stir-fries, and vegetable dishes, particularly in Hawaiian and Southeast Asian cooking. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalIn traditional Hawaiian and Asian medicine, honohono is used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. Contains compounds with antioxidant properties. [source]
Indoor ornamental plant
HouseholdThe delicate blue flowers and cascading growth habit make honohono suitable as an attractive houseplant in warm environments or as a trailing ground cover in tropical gardens. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe small blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and providing forage for beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when the plant is 4-6 weeks old. Pinch off tender young leaves and growing tips regularly—this encourages bushier growth and more leaf production. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and nutrition. Can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. In warm climates, the plant can produce year-round.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'honohono grass' in Hawaiian, Commelina diffusa is not a grass at all but belongs to the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae), which includes tradescantias and dayflowers.
- 🌱 In Hawaiian, 'honohono' means 'to join' or 'unite,' possibly referring to the plant's creeping habit and the way its stems interconnect and spread across the ground.
- 🌱 This plant is sometimes confused with Alternanthera sissoo (sissoo) or other leafy greens in tropical regions, but it is botanically distinct and valued for its unique tender texture and nutritional profile.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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