Spider flowers (Cleome) are strictly annuals, which means they won’t survive a frosty winter. But don’t worry! Even though the mother plant bows out at the end of the season, she leaves behind a ton of seeds that are surprisingly tough and winter-hardy.
Let Nature Do the Work or Start Them Early?
In theory, you can just kick back and wait until next spring. A good chunk of those fallen seeds will usually sprout on their own once the weather warms up. However, there’s a catch: you have to let the seeds drop naturally to the ground. Since spider flower seeds are toxic, this might not be the best move if you have curious toddlers or pets running around the garden. If that’s the case, your best bet is to harvest the seeds yourself and start them indoors next spring.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Spider flowers are annuals and won’t survive the winter.
- The seeds, however, are cold-hardy and can handle the freeze.
- These plants are prolific self-seeders if left to their own devices.
