An old-fashioned annual, Cleome has several common names: spider flower, grandfather’s whiskers, spider legs. The names come from the long, thread-like stamens of individual flowers and the long skinny seed pods that develop below the flowers. Grows quickly from seed to form tall (up to 6’) strong stems. The foliage is slightly sticky, and the undersides of the leaves are prickly.  Direct sow or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost after cold stratification.  Press into surface of planting medium; needs light to germinate.  Where self-seeding occurs, may need to thin to stand at least 1' apart.