Honesty Seeds, Moonwort, Money Plant, Silver Dollar Plant, Lunaria annua/biennis

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

USDA Zones 4-10 - This plant is a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years. The first year it grows foliage, and the second year it flowers, produces seed pods, and dies.

Best performance in Zones 4-8, where the plant experiences a cold winter, which is often required to trigger flowering the following spring.

Northern Zones (4-6) - Plant seeds in late spring or early summer. The plant will establish its root system and foliage in its first year, then overwinter and bloom the following spring.

Hot Climate Zones (9-10) - The plant may struggle in extreme summer heat and humidity. Provide some afternoon shade and consistent moisture. Planting in late fall may be beneficial for a spring bloom.

Soil Temperature - Requires a cool soil temperature for germination, ideally between 55F and 65F. Starting seeds in the cooler parts of the year is recommended.

Growing Season - The first year's growth is all about establishing the plant, requiring 90-120 days from seed to form a strong root system. The second year is when it provides its visual display.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:

Direct Sow Outdoors: The most common and easiest method is to direct sow seeds in late spring, summer, or early fall. This allows the plant to establish itself and go through its required cold dormancy (vernalization) to flower the following year.

Indoors: Not typically recommended due to the plant's biennial nature, which requires a cold period. However, if you choose to start indoors, do so in late winter/early spring and be prepared to chill the seedlings to trigger flowering.

Seed Starting:

Prepare a Location: Choose a spot in your garden with full sun to partial shade. The plant is adaptable but appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates. It prefers well-draining, average soil.

Sow Seeds: Sow seeds directly into the garden bed, covering them with about 1/4 inch of soil. Honesty seeds require darkness to germinate, so be sure they are fully covered.

Spacing: Plant seeds about 6-12 inches apart. You can sow them more densely and thin them later.

Water: Water gently but thoroughly after sowing to settle the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which can take 10-20 days.

First Year Growth: The first year will produce a rosette of green leaves. The plant will not flower. It is a biennial and is building up energy to bloom the next spring.

Second Year & Beyond:

Overwintering: The plant is hardy and will easily survive winter in its designated zones.

Flowering: The following spring, the plant will send up tall stems with clusters of purple or white flowers.

Seed Pods: After the flowers fade, round, green seed pods will form. As they mature, they will dry and the outer layers will peel away to reveal the beautiful, silvery, papery "silver dollar" inside.

Self-Seeding: Allow the seed pods to dry completely on the plant and release their seeds. The plant will naturally self-sow, ensuring a new crop for the following year's bloom. You can also harvest the dried seed pods for crafts and to replant in other locations.