Cleome, or spider flower, is one of the easiest ways to add 3- to 5-foot color to the back of a sunny border from a single packet of seed. The best cleome seeds for most gardeners are a reliable mixed strain like Colour Fountain, or a single-color Cleome hassleriana pack if you want a cleaner look. Large bulk packs make sense for pollinator meadows and long borders, and there is a native alternative for Western gardeners. We compared the current Amazon cleome seed listings and picked seven packs that cover mixes, single colors, bulk quantities and a native species, with every detail drawn from what the listing states.
In this guide
- 1. Sow Right Seeds Colour Fountain Cleome — Best Overall
- 2. Outsidepride White Cleome — Best White Cleome
- 3. Outsidepride Rose Cleome — Best Single Rose-Pink Color
- 4. Marde Ross Mixed Cleome — Best Bulk Pack for Pollinators
- 5. Seed Needs Mixed Cleome — Best Small Multi-Pack
- 6. SVI Spider Flower Seeds — Best for Hot, Dry Gardens
- 7. Sherwoods Seeds Rocky Mountain Bee Plant — Best Native Alternative
- What to Look for in Cleome Seeds
- Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosure: Urban Lotus Project earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
How we compared: we compared 14 current Amazon cleome seed listings on what each listing states about variety, seed count, growing guidance and colors; we did not test or handle the products, and availability changes.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Right Colour Fountain | Best overall mixed cleome |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Outsidepride White Cleome | Best white cleome |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Outsidepride Rose Cleome | Best single pink-rose color |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Marde Ross Mixed Cleome | Best bulk pack for pollinators |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Seed Needs Mixed Cleome | Best small multi-pack |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| SVI Spider Flower Seeds | Best for hot, dry gardens |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Sherwoods Rocky Mountain Bee Plant | Best native alternative |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Once you have seed, our full guide on how to grow cleome covers sowing, thinning and self-seeding management. For more tall annuals to pair with it, see our flowers and perennials guide.
1. Sow Right Seeds Colour Fountain Cleome — Best Overall
Colour Fountain Cleome hassleriana mix in rose, violet, white and pink; at least 3 g, about 1300 seeds, per packet.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Named, well-known mixed cleome strain
- Most complete sowing instructions on the shelf
- Germination temperature and timing stated
- Also sold in 2- and 3-packet bundles
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Colour Fountain, Cleome hassleriana |
| Seed count | Minimum 3 g, about 1300 seeds |
| Height and spread | 3 to 5 ft tall, 12 to 18 in spread |
| Germination | 8 to 12 days with soil above 75 to 80°F |
| Sowing | 1/16 in deep, 18 to 24 in apart, full sun |
| Days to flower | 70 to 90 days |
Sow Right Colour Fountain — compressed specs
Colour Fountain is a classic cleome strain, and this listing gives the clearest roadmap of any on the shelf: warm-soil germination in 8 to 12 days, very shallow sowing, 18- to 24-inch spacing and 70 to 90 days to bloom. That timeline matters in northern gardens, where direct sowing after frost may only give you color from late summer, so it also helps you decide whether to start seed indoors. The color mix of rose, violet, white and pink gives the soft, airy look cleome is known for at the back of a border.
The same seed is listed as 2-pack and 3-pack bundles on this shelf if you are planting a long border or want spare seed for succession sowing. The stated range of zones 3 to 13 simply reflects that cleome is grown as an annual everywhere; you still need frost-free weather to sow outdoors.
Pros
- Detailed germination and spacing guidance
- Four-color mix of a named strain
- Generous seed count for one packet
Cons
- Needs warm soil to germinate well
- Color ratio in the mix not stated
- Long wait to bloom from direct sowing in the North
Check Sow Right Colour Fountain price on Amazon
2. Outsidepride White Cleome — Best White Cleome
1000 white cleome seeds for 36 to 42 inch plants in zones 3 to 10, with blooms from summer into fall.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Single-color seed for a clean, designed look
- White blooms glow in low evening light
- Clear height and zone information
- Heat and drought tolerant once established
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | White |
| Seed count | 1000 seeds |
| Height | 36 to 42 in, some taller |
| Zones | USDA 3 to 10 |
| Site | Full sun, moist, well-drained soil |
| Bloom | Summer through fall |
Outsidepride white cleome — compressed specs
Mixed cleome is pretty, but single-color plantings look more intentional, especially in formal borders or a moon garden designed for evening. The listing notes the white blooms stand out in low light, which is exactly why white cleome is a favorite near patios used at dusk. It is a slightly shorter range than the Colour Fountain mix at 36 to 42 inches, which can be an advantage in smaller beds where 5-foot plants would flop or overwhelm.
Outsidepride sells the same format in violet and rose on this shelf, so you can plant blocks of separate colors and control the design yourself.
Pros
- Pure white, single-color seed
- Matching rose and violet packs available
- Suitable for xeriscape once established
Cons
- Fewer seeds than bulk packs
- Germination timing not summarized in the listing
- Self-seeded offspring may not all stay white
Check Outsidepride White Cleome price on Amazon
3. Outsidepride Rose Cleome — Best Single Rose-Pink Color
1000 rose cleome seeds for airy, spidery blooms from summer through fall on plants about 36 to 42 inches tall.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Saturated single rose color
- Same clear specs as the white version
- Long bloom from summer into fall
- Good for pollinator and cut-flower beds
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Rose |
| Seed count | 1000 seeds |
| Height | 36 to 42 in, some taller |
| Zones | USDA 3 to 10 |
| Tolerance | Heat and drought once established |
Outsidepride rose cleome — compressed specs
Rose is the color most people picture when they think of cleome, and this pack delivers it without the white and pale pinks of a mix. It pairs well with purple verbena bonariensis, blue salvia and silver foliage. The listing’s specifications mirror the white pack, so the two can be planted together in drifts with similar heights and bloom timing.
If you prefer cooler tones, the Outsidepride Violet pack on the same shelf carries matching specs and seed count.
Pros
- Consistent single color
- Pairs easily with white and violet packs
- Clear zone and height guidance
Cons
- Not a named cultivar
- No days-to-bloom figure stated
- Smaller count than bulk options
Check Outsidepride Rose Cleome price on Amazon
4. Marde Ross Mixed Cleome — Best Bulk Pack for Pollinators
A 5000-seed mixed cleome pack, listed as non-GMO and neonicotinoid free, from a licensed California nursery.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Largest dedicated cleome count on the shelf
- Neonicotinoid-free seed for pollinator plantings
- Indoor or outdoor starting guidance
- Clear thinning and row spacing
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seed count | 5000 seeds |
| Height | 3 to 5 ft |
| Germination | 8 to 12 days at 70 to 80°F |
| Sowing | 1/8 in, left uncovered, 18 in between rows |
| Thinning | 18 to 24 in apart at 3 in tall |
| Treatment | Non-GMO, neonicotinoid free |
Marde Ross mixed cleome — compressed specs
For meadow-style plantings, long fence-line borders or a monarch waystation, 5000 seeds goes a long way. The listing highlights cleome as a nectar flower for monarchs and states the seed is neonicotinoid free, which matters to anyone planting specifically for pollinators. The growing directions are practical: germinate warm, sow shallow, then thin hard to 18 to 24 inches so plants branch and do not compete.
Compared with Colour Fountain, this is an unnamed mix, so color proportions and height may vary more. If you want a uniform look, choose a named strain or a single color.
Pros
- Very large seed count
- Pollinator-focused, neonic-free claim
- Detailed thinning guidance
Cons
- Unnamed mix, colors vary
- More seed than most home beds need
- Cold stratification details are in the description only
Check Marde Ross Mixed Cleome price on Amazon
5. Seed Needs Mixed Cleome — Best Small Multi-Pack
Two packets of mixed Cleome hassleriana in pink, purple and white, packed for the current and following seasons.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Two separate packets for succession sowing
- Seed stored in climate-controlled facility
- Packed for this season and next
- Also sold as a 5-pack
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Cleome hassleriana |
| Pack | 2 packets |
| Colors | Pink, purple or white |
| Height | 3 to 5 ft |
| Bloom | Early summer to frost |
| Seed count per packet | Not stated in listing |
Seed Needs mixed cleome — compressed specs
Two packets are handy: sow one in spring and hold the other for a second sowing a few weeks later, or for next year, since the listing says the seed is packed for the current and following growing season. Seed Needs also stores seed in a temperature-controlled, low-moisture facility, which is the right way to keep viability. The 5-pack version on this shelf suits gardeners sharing with friends or planting a large area.
The listing describes the plants accurately, including the slightly sticky leaves and musky scent cleome is known for, which is worth knowing before you plant it beside a seating area.
Pros
- Split packets suit succession sowing
- Freshness and storage stated
- Honest description of scent and texture
Cons
- Exact seed count per packet not stated
- No germination timing stated
- Generic mix, not a named strain
Check Seed Needs Mixed Cleome price on Amazon
6. SVI Spider Flower Seeds — Best for Hot, Dry Gardens
1600 Cleome hassleriana seeds in pink, white and purple, listed as heat and drought tolerant for full-sun gardens.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Heat and drought tolerance emphasized
- Surface-sowing light requirement stated
- Listing notes it deters rabbits
- Good seed count for mid-size borders
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Cleome hassleriana |
| Seed count | 1600 seeds |
| Colors | Pink, white and purple |
| Sowing | Surface sow; needs light to germinate |
| Pre-treatment | 4-week cold stratification for spring planting |
| Germination | 30 to 35 days per listing |
SVI spider flower — compressed specs
Cleome is naturally at home in heat, and this listing leans into that, positioning it for hot climates and low-maintenance beds once established. It also notes rabbits tend to leave it alone, which matches cleome’s reputation. The sowing guidance differs from other listings: SVI recommends cold stratifying for four weeks and allows 30 to 35 days for germination, much longer than the 8 to 12 days other sellers quote with warm soil. In practice, many gardeners find fresh cleome seed germinates readily when warm and lit, while stratification can help older or dormant seed.
Pros
- Clear heat and drought positioning
- Solid seed count
- Light-germination tip included
Cons
- Longer germination timeline stated
- Stratification adds a step
- Keyword-heavy listing with fewer specifics on height
Check SVI Spider Flower Seeds price on Amazon
7. Sherwoods Seeds Rocky Mountain Bee Plant — Best Native Alternative
A native seed packet of Rocky Mountain bee plant, Cleomella serrulata, in reddish-purple, pink or white.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- North American native cleome relative
- Strong choice for native bee gardens
- Heirloom seed packet
- Suits Western and prairie plantings
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Cleomella serrulata, formerly Cleome serrulata |
| Colors | Reddish-purple, pink or white |
| Seed type | Heirloom native |
| Seed count | Not stated in listing |
| Growing guidance | Not stated in listing |
Sherwoods Rocky Mountain bee plant — compressed specs
Rocky Mountain bee plant is a native annual of western and central North America and a close relative of garden cleome, long valued by beekeepers and native-plant gardeners. It is shorter and less showy than Colour Fountain but fits naturally into prairie, xeric and pollinator plantings where a non-native South American annual would feel out of place. This listing is sparse on growing details, so treat it like other native annual seed: sow in fall or give it a cold period, and surface sow in full sun on lean soil.
Pros
- Native species for regional plantings
- Excellent fit for bee gardens
- Distinct from the typical hassleriana mixes
Cons
- Seed count not stated
- Minimal growing instructions
- Less height and drama than garden cleome
Check Sherwoods Rocky Mountain Bee Plant price on Amazon
What to Look for in Cleome Seeds
Named Strain vs. Generic Mix
Named strains like Colour Fountain or Queen-series types give more predictable height and color. Generic mixes are fine for cottage and meadow plantings where variety is part of the charm. Single-color packs give the most control for designed borders.
Seed Count You Actually Need
Cleome is thinned to 18 to 24 inches apart, so even a 10-foot border needs only a handful of mature plants. A packet of a few hundred seeds is plenty for most beds. Bulk counts of several thousand make sense for meadows, large pollinator areas or broadcasting over open ground.
Germination Guidance
Cleome needs light and warmth to germinate, so press seed onto the surface or cover it very thinly. Listings on this shelf range from 8 to 12 days in warm soil to 30 to 35 days after stratification. Starting indoors about four to six weeks before last frost, on a heat mat with alternating warm days and cooler nights, often improves results. Our annual flowers guide covers indoor seed starting basics for tall annuals.
Self-Seeding
Cleome hassleriana self-sows freely. That is a bonus in a cottage garden and a chore in a tidy bed. Deadhead or remove seed pods before they split if you do not want volunteers, and expect seedlings from mixed or hybrid strains to drift in color over the years.
Site and Spacing
Plant in full sun and average, well-drained soil. Rich soil and heavy fertilizer make tall plants floppy. The stems carry small spines at leaf nodes on many strains, so keep cleome a little back from paths where people brush past.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cleome seeds?
Direct sow after the last frost once soil has warmed, or start indoors about four to six weeks earlier. In mild climates, fall sowing can produce early volunteers the next spring.
Do cleome seeds need light to germinate?
Yes. Sow on the surface or cover with only a very thin layer of soil. Several listings on this shelf specifically note the light requirement.
Does cleome come back every year?
Cleome hassleriana is an annual, but it self-seeds readily, so plants often reappear in the same area. Rocky Mountain bee plant is also an annual that can reseed.
How tall does cleome get?
Most garden cleome grows about 3 to 5 feet tall. Listings on this shelf range from 36 to 42 inches for Outsidepride’s single colors to up to 5 feet for Colour Fountain.
Is cleome good for pollinators?
Yes. Its nectar attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and several listings highlight monarch and pollinator value. Rocky Mountain bee plant is especially valued by native bees.