Lunaria biennis annua choice Mixed

Lunaria biennis, commonly known as Honesty or Money Plant, is a biennial plant known for its attractive silver dollar-like seed pods. Here's a guide on how to grow Lunaria biennis 'Choice Mixed':

**1. Planting Time:**
- Sow Lunaria biennis 'Choice Mixed' seeds in late summer to early fall for flowers in the following spring and summer. The plant is a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle over two growing seasons.

**2. Sunlight:**
- Lunaria biennis prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a range of light conditions.

**3. Soil Preparation:**
- Plant in well-draining soil with good fertility. Lunaria is adaptable to various soil types but performs well in moderately fertile, loamy soil.

**4. Planting:**
- Sow the seeds directly in the garden. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the area after planting.

**5. Spacing:**
- Space Lunaria biennis plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

**6. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination and early growth stages. Once established, Lunaria is somewhat drought-tolerant.

**7. Mulching:**
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

**8. Fertilizing:**
- Lunaria biennis generally doesn't require heavy fertilization. If the soil is poor, you can incorporate a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during planting.

**9. Support:**
- Lunaria biennis may benefit from support as it grows taller, especially if grown in open areas where it may be exposed to wind.

**10. Deadheading:**
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and to prevent the formation of seed pods if you want to control its spread.

**11. Pests and Diseases:**
- Lunaria biennis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids or other common garden pests and treat any infestations promptly.

**12. Harvesting Seeds:**
- Harvest the distinctive seed pods when they have turned brown and are fully dry. Open the pods to collect the round, silver-like seeds. These seeds are often used in dried flower arrangements.

**13. Winter Care:**
- Lunaria biennis is a biennial, so it typically completes its life cycle within two growing seasons. Collect seeds if you want to save them for the next year.

**14. Enjoy the Blooms and Seed Pods:**
- Lunaria biennis 'Choice Mixed' produces clusters of purple or white flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by the distinctive, papery seed pods. Enjoy the flowers in the garden and use the dried seed pods for decorative purposes.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow Lunaria biennis 'Choice Mixed' and enjoy its unique flowers and seed pods in your garden. Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions for the best results.