How to Grow Monkey Flower
Wikimedia Commons
Monkey Flower
Mimulus species
flowerMonkey flowers are charming herbaceous plants known for their distinctive spotted or striped flowers that resemble a smiling monkey face. These colorful bloomers thrive in moist environments and come in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. They're popular in container gardens, hanging baskets, and shaded border plantings.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Monkey Flower in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Monkey Flower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Monkey Flower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Monkey Flower blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Monkey Flower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-10; most varieties thrive as annuals in cooler zones and perennials in zones 8-10
Sign up free to see if Monkey Flower grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Monkey Flower timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination
10-15 daysTiny seeds begin sprouting and develop first cotyledons (seed leaves). Seedlings emerge slowly over 10-15 days.
Keep seed tray consistently moist in bright, warm location (65-70°F). Provide bottom heat if available. Ensure light reaches seeds for germination.
Seedling Development
2-3 weeksTrue leaves emerge and seedlings develop 2-4 leaf sets. Seedlings remain small and delicate.
Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Maintain consistent moisture and cool, bright conditions. Begin fertilizing at half strength weekly once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops a bushy, spreading form with multiple stems and lush foliage. Pinching encourages branching.
Pinch growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. Continue regular watering and feeding. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (until frost or end of season)Distinctive two-lipped flowers with spotted or striped patterns appear in clusters. Flowers may be red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture as flowering drains plant energy. Keep humidity adequate if indoors.
Decline/Seed Set
VariableIf flowers are not deadheaded, plants develop seed pods. Growth slows as energy shifts to seed production.
Allow some flowers to set seed if saving seed is desired. Reduce watering slightly. Plants may decline in hot summers; provide afternoon shade.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity through misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
-
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial predators like ladybugs
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
-
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if severe
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe flowers of certain Mimulus species are edible and add whimsical, colorful decoration to salads, desserts, and beverages. They have a mildly sweet, slightly tangy flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSome Mimulus species have been used in traditional herbalism for minor respiratory and digestive support, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Container and Hanging Basket Gardening
HouseholdMonkey flowers are ideal for brightening shaded patios, decks, and porches in containers and hanging baskets, providing long-season color. [source]
Ornamental Flower Arrangements
CraftThe distinctive spotted flowers are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and can add unique character to bouquets and floral designs. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeMonkey flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators with their nectar-rich blooms, supporting local biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flowers regularly by pinching or cutting just below the flower cluster to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. To collect seeds for next year, allow some flowers to remain on the plant and develop seed pods; harvest pods when they dry and turn brown, then extract and store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'monkey flower' comes from the two-lipped flower shape with spots that resemble a smiling monkey's face when viewed from certain angles.
- 🌱 Some Mimulus species are naturally found in wetlands and streamside habitats, which is why cultivated varieties prefer consistently moist conditions.
- 🌱 Monkey flowers have been used in Bach Flower Remedies, particularly Mimulus guttatus (spotted monkey flower), traditionally associated with emotional courage in alternative wellness practices.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Monkey Flower planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Monkey Flower seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Monkey Flower timeline →