Honesty (Lunaria) in Zone 6a & 6b
Lunaria annua
Yes, honesty (lunaria) grows in zones 6a and 6b. Plant it outside Apr 25–May 2.
When to plant honesty (lunaria) in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 25–May 2 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 23–Aug 30 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 6b
These go outside within two weeks of honesty (lunaria) in zone 6b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumMay 2–May 9
- MarigoldMay 2–May 9
- African DaisyApr 25–May 2
- Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)Apr 25–May 2
- Ammi (False Queen Anne's Lace)Apr 25–May 2
- Ammobium (Winged Everlasting)Apr 25–May 2
Honesty is grown for what is left after it dies: flat, papery, translucent seed pods that hold their shape indoors for years.
How honesty (lunaria) fits zone 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. Honesty (lunaria) needs about 120 days from sowing to first bloom.
Honesty (Lunaria) planting windows in every zone
Zone 6b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Sep 7–Sep 14 |
| 6a & 6b (your zone) | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Aug 23–Aug 30 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Aug 8–Aug 15 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Jul 23–Jul 30 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Jun 15–Jun 22 |
Bloom dates are about 120 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for honesty (lunaria).
Where to buy honesty seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries honesty seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing honesty (lunaria)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 6b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Honesty (Lunaria) in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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