How to Grow Lunaria
Lunaria
Lunaria annua
flowerLunaria, commonly known as honesty plant or money plant, is a biennial or short-lived perennial grown for its distinctive papery, translucent seed pods that resemble silver coins. The plant produces fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers in spring before developing these ornamental seed heads that are prized for dried arrangements. It self-seeds readily and naturalize well in gardens.
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Example Lunaria timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lunaria
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 Lunaria blooms
Around Sep 14≈ 150 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lunaria dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Seed Germination
10-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible. Seeds need light exposure and cool temperatures to germinate.
Do not cover seeds; sow on soil surface. Maintain moist conditions. Germinates best in fall or early spring.
Vegetative Growth (First Year)
6-8 weeks (by fall) or overwinterRosette of elongated, coarsely toothed leaves develops close to the ground. Plant focuses on foliage production.
Water regularly during dry spells. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Remove weeds. No fertilizer needed if soil is moderately fertile.
Flowering
4-6 weeksTall flower spikes emerge in spring, producing abundant four-petaled flowers in purple, pink, or white, arranged in loose racemes. Flowers are fragrant.
Deadhead spent flowers if you want to prevent excessive self-seeding, or leave flowers to develop seed pods. Provide stakes if plants become leggy.
Seed Pod Development
6-8 weeksAfter pollination, flat, round seed pods develop that are green initially. Pods grow to 1.5-2 inches wide. Outer seed case remains but develops papery quality.
Allow pods to dry and mature on the plant. Do not harvest too early or translucent interior will not fully develop. Water moderately.
Seed Pod Maturity & Harvest
2-4 weeks after pods fully matureSeed pods turn pale green then tan, becoming completely dry and papery. Outer seed case falls away, revealing translucent silvery inner membrane with dark seeds.
Harvest seed pods when outer case begins to peel. Hang bundles upside down in a dry, airy location to cure. Allow self-seeding or collect seeds for next season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers during spring, hand-pick caterpillars, or apply neem oil. Avoid planting near brassicas to reduce pest pressure.
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Use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Row covers on young plants prevent infestations. Remove plant debris.
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Ensure good air circulation; thin dense foliage. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate spray if severe. Water at soil level, not foliage.
Uses
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe silvery seed pods are exceptionally popular in dried floral designs, wedding bouquets, and home décor arrangements. They add elegance and texture lasting for years without wilting. [source]
Edible Flowers & Seeds
CulinaryYoung leaves are edible with a peppery flavor similar to arugula, and can be used in salads. Flowers are also edible and mildly peppery, suitable for garnishing dishes. [source]
Natural Décor & Wreaths
HouseholdDried Lunaria pods are used to create wreaths, wall hangings, and decorative dried flower bundles. They require no special care and maintain their appearance for years. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHistorically used in European herbal medicine for respiratory conditions and as a diuretic. Modern herbal use is limited but the plant is still valued in traditional herbalism. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant provides early-season nectar when few other flowers are blooming. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest seed pods in late spring or early summer when the outer seed case begins to split and peel away, revealing the silvery, translucent inner membrane. Cut stems with mature pods and hang upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks to finish drying. Gently rub or allow the outer case to naturally fall away. Collect seeds in fall if you wish to propagate new plants, or allow self-seeding in the garden.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lunaria gets the common name 'money plant' from its silvery, coin-shaped seed pods that resemble silver money when the outer seed case falls away.
- 🌱 The translucent inner membrane of the seed pod is so distinctive that it remains a sought-after material in dried flower crafts even after the seeds are gone.
- 🌱 Lunaria self-seeds prolifically, sometimes escaping cultivation and naturalizing in woodlands and hedgerows where it can spread for years from a single planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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