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Lunaria annua

How to Grow Honesty

If you are keen on unusual and unique plants, Honesty is one to plant in the garden. Not only does this biannual plant provide a lovely floral display, after flowering the magic appears, with flat round seed pods that turn silver in appearance, just like the moon. These seed pods are a favourite of florists and are a great talking point in the garden as well.

Full sun to part shade

Water well initially. Requires minimal water once established

Well drained soil

Sow seeds from Autumn to Spring. Can be grown in all climatic zones

How to grow honesty in a garden

From seed:

Step 1

Sow seeds into trays of Yates Seed Raising Mix at a depth of 3mm. Cover with soil, press down and lightly water with a fine mist spray.

Step 2

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 3

While the seeds are germinating, choose a sunny to part shaded spot in the garden with well drained soil and dig in some Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting.

Step 4

Once the seedlings have grown at least 5 cm, transplant seedlings into your prepared garden bed, ensuring the seedlings are well spaced – at least 50 cm apart. Water in well.

Step 5

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw.

Step 6

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Established plants:

Step 1

Choose a sunny to part shaded spot in the garden with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow honesty in a pot

From seed:

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Sow seeds directly into the pot to a depth of 3 mm and lightly cover with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Press down and lightly water with a fine mist spray.

Step 4

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 5

Once the seedlings have grown to at least 5 cm in height, mulch with organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw.

Step 6

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Established plants:

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Water at the base of the plant to avoid risk of disease.
The seed pods are often used in floral displays. Avoid pruning back after flowering to allow for the seeds to form.
Great bee and butterfly attracting flowers.