Cerinthe

Cerinthe major

Also called honeywort

EasyGrows in pots

Cerinthe major, called honeywort, is a bushy plant from the Mediterranean with blue-tinged bracts. It is grown from large seeds sown in spring and does best in full sun.

Quick facts

Germination time: 5–21 days
Germination temperature: 18–29 °C64–84 °F
Sowing depth: 6 mm¼ in
Spacing between plants: Not yet verified
Days to maturity: Not yet verified
Sun: Full sun, partial shade

Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.

Compare with another seed How to grow it

By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated Oct 19, 2026

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01 · Overview

About cerinthe

Cerinthe major, also called honeywort, is a bushy plant native to the Mediterranean, with pale green-gray to blue leaves and tubular flowers held inside large, heart-shaped bracts. Most plants grow about 50 to 100 cm (20 to 40 inches) tall, though size varies with growing conditions. Its life cycle depends on climate: it is often grown as a summer annual in cooler parts of the country. The flowers attract bees and hummingbirds.

Growing details

Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before the last frost
Sow outdoors: At the last frost
Water: Not yet verified
Containers: Yes
Height: 0.5–1 m1½–3½ ft
Spread: 10–50 cm4–20 in
Frost tolerance: Not yet verified
Soil pH: Not yet verified
Life cycle: Not yet verified

Sowing timeline

When to sow cerinthe seeds

Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.

Start indoors4–6 weeks before the last frost

Sow outdoorsAt the last frost

Germination time: 5–21 days
Germination temperature: 18–29 °C64–84 °F

02 · How to grow

How to grow cerinthe from seed

Sow seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost, planting each large seed on its own in a small pot or plug. You can also sow outdoors in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep when sowing directly outside after the last frost. Seeds sprout in 5 to 21 days when kept at 65 to 85 °F (18 to 29 °C). Soaking seeds overnight before planting speeds germination.

Grow it in full sun in a sheltered spot with well-drained, fertile soil. It is easily grown in most soils, from full sun to light shade. Plants are frost-sensitive and take light frost only; they are rated as half-hardy. Plant out once the danger of frost has passed.

03 · Care

Caring for cerinthe

Once established, honeywort is relatively drought tolerant, but it grows fuller and blooms more when watered well, as long as the soil does not stay overly wet. In rich soil it produces lush leaves at the expense of flowers. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut the plant back after flowering.

In containers, where the plants trail over the edges, they need plenty of water and fertilizer to thrive.

At a glance

How cerinthe compares with other flowers

Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.

Cerinthe
Each of the other flowers
Their average

See all flowers

Germination timeSlower to sprout than average
5–21 days
Average for flowers: 12 days, from 42 other seeds
Germination temperatureWarmer than average
18–29 °C64–84 °F
Average for flowers: 21 °C70 °F, from 40 other seeds
Sowing depthDeeper than average
6 mm¼ in
Average for flowers: 4 mm⅛ in, from 25 other seeds
HeightAbout average
0.5–1 m1½–3½ ft
Average for flowers: 70 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds

04 · Problems

Common cerinthe problems

Honeywort is generally free of pests and diseases. In the Midwest, seeds that drop in fall tend to sprout and are then killed by the first hard freeze, while in mild climates the plant reseeds readily.

05 · Harvest

Harvesting cerinthe

For cut flowers, flame the ends of the stems or dip them in hot water before arranging them.

06 · Storage

Storing cerinthe

Seed can be collected and stored for the following year. Gather seeds as they fall, or cut whole blooming branches and dry them indoors in a paper or cloth bag so the seeds that burst from the pods are caught.