Honesty (Lunaria) in Zone 8a & 8b
Lunaria annua
Yes, honesty (lunaria) grows in zones 8a and 8b. Plant it outside Mar 25–Apr 1.
When to plant honesty (lunaria) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Mar 25–Apr 1 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 23–Jul 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 8b
These go outside within two weeks of honesty (lunaria) in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumApr 1–Apr 8
- MarigoldApr 1–Apr 8
- African DaisyMar 25–Apr 1
- Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)Mar 25–Apr 1
- Ammi (False Queen Anne's Lace)Mar 25–Apr 1
- Ammobium (Winged Everlasting)Mar 25–Apr 1
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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Honesty (lunaria) needs about 120 days from sowing to first bloom.
Honesty (Lunaria) planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b 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 | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Aug 23–Aug 30 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Aug 8–Aug 15 |
| 8a & 8b (your zone) | 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
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 8b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
%20in%20USDA%20zone%208b%3A%20when%20to%20start%20seeds%20indoors%2C%20when%20to%20direct-sow%2C%20and%20when%20to%20expect%20a%20bloom.)
Pin this for later
Growing Honesty (Lunaria) in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
Save to Pinterest