| Common Name | Honeywort |
| Genus | Cerinthe |
| Species | Cerinthe major |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy annual in USDA Zones 7-11; can reseed and return annually in warmer regions. Grown as a regular summer annual in colder climates. Being a Mediterranean plant, it's native growth cycle is to grow vegetatively in the winter and bloom/set seed in the summer. Seeds then germinate in the fall to start the cycle over again. |
| Tray Size | 125 |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant plugs soon after arrival into prepared beds. Do not allow plugs to become rootbound while in their seedling trays, and do not expose plugs to any stress (over or underwatering, extreme heat or cold) as stress at this young and vulnerable stage can cause stunted growth. |
| Netting / Staking | Not required. Stems are sturdy but may benefit from support in windy conditions or when grown in highly fertile soils. One layer of Hortonova or similar trellis should be adequate. |
| Temperature Range | Thrives in temperatures between 55-75°F. Tolerates light frosts but should be protected from extended freezing temperatures. |
| Spacing | Space plants 8-12 inches apart for optimal airflow and growth. |
| Soil Preference | Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates a wide pH range. Avoid overly rich soils to prevent extreme foliar growth at the expense of flowers. |
| Day Length | These plants flower under long days; grow best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. |
| Pinching | Not necessary. Plants naturally develop a branching habit but can be pinched early to encourage additional branching if desired. |
| When to Plant | Plant plugs outdoors in early spring slightly before or around the time of last frost, or in early fall in warm climates for overwintering. Early plantings result in stronger plants and more blooms - they really enjoy a long, cool establishment period like most other Mediterranean plants. |
| Harvesting | Cut stems when bracts have fully developed their characteristic blue-purple color but before flowers have begun to fade. The flowers are small, tubular and purple and barely peak out from the large protective bracts. Harvest early in the morning when the plants are at peak hydration. Regular harvesting encourages continued flowering. These plants typically stop producing when the intense heat of mid-summer kicks in. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place stems immediately in clean water after cutting. Honeywort has a vase life of 7-10 days. Using a floral preservative can help extend vase life. Avoid crushing stems during handling as they are hollow and delicate. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally pest and disease-free. Monitor for aphids and slugs, especially during wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. |
| Bailey's Notes |
Plants can vary considerably in size and form depending on the conditions under which they are grown. With full sun and excessively rich, moist soil, plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and will definitely require staking. Less nutrients, water and some light shade will produce plants that max out at 2 feet in height. These factors, along with temperature, might play into the amount of color you see on the bracts. I have had reports from growers whose Cerinthe have had rich purple tones, and other farmers have reported no purple at all. I'm still not sure what condition favors vibrant purple bracts. Honeywort is also a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and other beneficials to the garden. Its cascading habit makes it suitable for both landscape garden beds and cut flower fields, offering visual appeal and utility. |
| Resources |
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Cerinthe major Growing Guide Wisconsin Horitulture - Division of Extension: Cerithe major |