Honeywort
Cerinthe major
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Libya, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Hans Hillewaert
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Cerinthe
- Species:
- Cerinthe major
- USDA Symbol:
- CEMA13
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, blue, yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, bumblebees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions with poor soil
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 60-70°F. Can be direct sown in fall in mild climates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.