Cerinthe (Honeywort) in Zone 3a & 3b
Cerinthe major
When to plant cerinthe (honeywort) in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Cerinthe (Honeywort) tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 18–Apr 25 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 30–Jun 6 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 13–Aug 20 (~75 days after planting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Cerinthe, commonly called honeywort, doesn't look like a typical cut flower. Its waxy, blue-purple bracts have an almost succulent texture, more sculptural than floral, which is exactly why it's grown.
How cerinthe (honeywort) fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Cerinthe (Honeywort) needs about 75 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Cerinthe (Honeywort).
Where to buy cerinthe seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing cerinthe (honeywort)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Cerinthe (Honeywort) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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