Honeywort (Cerinthe Major Purpurascens) - To attract hummingbirds to your garden, start some Honeywort seeds! Cerinthe Major Purpurascens Honeywort is a hummingbird magnet, and it attracts bees and birds. This Honeywort plant is fast-growing and so rewarding to grow from flower seeds. Cerinthe Major has nodding clusters of rich, purple-blue, tube-like flowers on arching stems. The foliage is unique and just as attractive with mottled bluish mauve leaves that spiral up the many branching stems. Cerinthe Major is excellent in a container where it will drape gracefully over the sides, or it makes a great specimen plant for the flower garden. Cerinthe Honeywort plants are continuous bloomers and can begin in the spring and bloom into the fall. Another common name for Cerinthe Major is Blue Wax Flower.

SOWING:
Season: Annual
Height: 18 inches (40cm)
Bloom Season: Summer to late autumn
Bloom Color: Purple
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Humus rich, moist but well-drained soil, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Temperature: 20C (68F)
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch (3mm) deep
Sowing Rate: 1 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 18 inches (40cm)

Cernithe Major Honeywort is native to the Mediterranean region and can be a tender perennial in frost-free climates. Start the Honeywort seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the flower seeds in pots and cover with 1/8 inch (3mm) of soil. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Honeywort plants must be in well-draining soil. To use Cerinth Major as a cut flower, the ends of the stem need to be either flamed or dipped in hot water.