Honesty or Lunaria is a lightly fragrant, pollinator-friendly plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. In spring, from March to June, it produces small mauve or white flowers amidst triangular or heart-shaped leaves. It is easily recognised by its highly decorative seed pods, often used in dried flower arrangements. Called siliques, these translucent, flat, round seed pods resemble slightly silvery coins, hence the name 'Honesty'. The siliques appear in July and contain small seeds.
Honesty is a biennial or perennial plant that self-seeds readily. There are three species: Lunaria annua which is biennial, Lunaria rediviva which is perennial, and Lunaria arboreus, a rare shrubby species. If you wish to sow Lunaria yourself, you can collect and use the seeds. Discover how to successfully sow Honesty!
Lunaria annua
What equipment will you need?
If you choose to sow in pots, prepare your equipment:
- a seed tray or pots (our plant fibre pots are 100% natural and biodegradable)
- seed compost
- a spray bottle
When and how to harvest Honesty seeds?
Harvest the siliques from July onwards and dry them. Once completely dry, carefully extract the seeds inside and store them in an airtight container.
Harvest from July onwards, then dry your seeds
Where to sow Honesty?
Sow Honesty directly in the ground in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Alternatively, you can also sow in pots to avoid slug damage, for example.
When to sow Lunaria seeds?
Sow Lunaria seeds directly in the ground in March-April for flowering the same year. You can also sow between June and September for flowering in early spring the following year.
How to sow Lunaria seeds?
- You can use seeds you've harvested yourself or our Lunaria annua seeds
- For sowing directly in the ground, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and loosen the soil.
For pot sowing, use seed compost and place in partial shade. - Sow the seeds, using a seed sower if needed, pressing them 3mm deep and spacing them 30cm apart
- Cover with finely sieved compost and firm the soil
- Water gently, then maintain regular watering to keep the soil moist.
- Seedlings typically emerge in 14 to 21 days.
- In the ground, thin out the young plants, keeping only one every 30cm.
For pot sowing, transplant the seedlings the following September into a pot at least 30cm in diameter or into the ground, spacing them 30cm apart.
Further reading
Discover our complete guide to Honesty, as well as our tips for successful annual seed sowing.
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