Lunaria annua
Origin: Balkans & SW Asia
Improvement Status: Cultivated wild material
Seeds per packet: ~60
Germination tested 11/2023: 97%
Life cycle: Biennial
Known mainly for its beautiful seed pods (resembling coins and commonly used in dry flower arrangements) this annual or biennial plant native the Balkans also shines as a low maintenance edible. The young leaves, flower buds, flowers, and seeds are all edible, with a spicy mustard flavor. The purplish-pink flowers make a delicious and beautiful addition to salads. Once established, Honesty easily self-sows, so if you don’t want them to come back be sure to harvest the lovely seed heads before they break open. It self-sows so readily that many people assume it's a perennial! It has naturalized across North America to such an extent that many people assume it's a native plant.
Our seed was produced by Aaron Parker of Edgewood Nursery in Maine.
GROWING TIPS: Very easy to grow. Thrives in partial shade or sun. Plant 1/4” deep, in spring, either in containers or directly in place. If direct sowing plant 2-3 seeds in each placement, with placements 12”+ apart.
Honesty grows well in sun, but tolerates partial shade. They will grow fine in most soils. Being a biennial they do not flower until the second year. If self-seeding is not desired deadheading is advised, these ornamental seed pods are often the primary harvest from this plant.
