How to Grow Cleome Viscosa in India

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Last Updated: 11.03.2024
Chandrima
Written by
Chandrima, a flower enthusiast and writer at India Gardening with over 5 years of content writing experience. She combines her love for flowers with her background in gardening and literary expertise to create informative content. In addition to her passion for gardening, she's an aspiring traveler and nature lover.

Cleome Viscosa is a cute little plant with eye-catching yellow flowers. Let’s have a look at how to grow it easily in garden and pots!

Cleome Viscosa
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Explore the secrets of growing Cleome viscosa, a beautiful flowering annual that will add bold color to your garden year-round. Additionally, this guide will teach you the basics of caring for this plant, including how to propagate it, where to plant it, and what type of soil and climate it thrives in.

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Cleome Viscosa Information 

Cleome viscosa is a species of flowering plant in the family of Cleomaceae. It is also popular as tick weed, Asian spider flower, Wild mustard, or Dog mustard. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the Americas and the Pacific Islands.

Cleome viscosa is an annual herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has long, thin, sticky stems with clusters of small, yellow, or white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The leaves are compound and have 3-5 leaflets that are oblong or lance-shaped. 

The plant has a number of traditional medicinal uses. Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India, is used to treat a variety of ailments, including cough, fever, and skin diseases. It is also used in traditional medicine in other parts of the world for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, Cleome viscosa is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility and as a forage crop for livestock. 

However, it is important to note that Cleome viscosa can be invasive in some regions and has been listed as a noxious weed in some parts of the world. Additionally, it is important to check with local authorities before planting this species. 

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How to Propagate Cleome Viscosa? 

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By Seeds 

  • Firstly, collect mature seed pods from the plant once they have turned brown and dried out on the plant. 
  • Place the pods in a paper bag and allow them to dry out further for a few days. 
  • Crush the pods to release the seeds. 
  • Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, covering them lightly with soil. 
  • Water the soil and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 10-14 days. 
  • Lastly, once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them to their final location in the garden or in individual pots. 

By Stem Cuttings

  • Firstly, take a stem cutting from the plant that is 4-6 inches long, using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. 
  • Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. 
  • Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. 
  • Insert the stem cutting into a well-draining soil mix, burying it 2 inches deep. 
  • Water the soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. 
  • After a few weeks, the stem cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to its final location in the garden or in individual pots. 

Requirements to Grow Cleome Viscosa 

Cleome Viscosa 2
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Sunlight

Cleome viscosa requires full sun to grow well in India. It prefers a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, in areas with very hot summers, it may benefit from some partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

However, in general, it is a sun-loving plant and will produce more blooms and grow stronger when given ample sunlight. 

Soil

Cleome viscosa can grow well in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. In India, it is best to plant Cleome viscosa in a soil mix that has good drainage and aeration, as heavy, waterlogged soil can cause the plant’s roots to rot.

Additionally, a good soil mix can be prepared by mixing garden soil with compost, sand, and perlite in equal parts. 

Water

Cleome viscosa requires regular watering to thrive, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. In India, the watering schedule will depend on the local climate and soil conditions.

In general, it is recommended to water it deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. However, during hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. 

Temperature

Cleome viscosa can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm weather and does not tolerate frost. In India, it can be grown in most regions, as long as the climate is warm enough, with temperatures above 10°C (50°F).

The ideal temperature range for Cleome viscosa is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). In hotter regions of India, it is best to plant Cleome viscosa in a partially shaded location, as excessive heat can cause the plant to wilt and suffer from heat stress. 

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Cleome Viscosa Care 

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Fertilizer

Cleome viscosa can benefit from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and flowering. In India, it is recommended to fertilize Cleome viscosa every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Organic options such as compost, manure, or fish emulsion can also be used to provide nutrients to the plant. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage at the expense of flowers. 

Pruning

Cleome viscosa does not require extensive pruning, but it can benefit from occasional pinching back of the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flower production.

Additionally, deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can also help to promote continued blooming throughout the growing season. 

Pests and Diseases

Cleome viscosa is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Additionally, In India, common pests that can affect Cleome viscosa include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Insecticidal soap or a mild solution of soapy water can treat these pests. 

In addition, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can affect Cleome viscosa, and can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. If necessary, a fungicide spray can be used to treat fungal diseases.

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