The information here refers to the annual (sometimes biennial) plant that is known as Lunaria annua. It also goes by the common names Honesty, Moonwort, Judas’ Penny, Satin Flower, Money Plant, and Silver Dollars. Planted early enough in the year, it will bloom in the first summer. Planted later, it will behave as a biennial, and bloom the following summer. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Lunaria from seed.
Latin
Lunaria annua
Family: Brassicaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone: Hardy to Zone 4
Timing
Direct sow in early spring, when there is still some risk of frost—mid to late March on the coast. Or sow in the fall where winters are mild.
Starting
Sow seeds a couple of millimetres (1/8″) deep, and space plants 30-45cm (12-18″) apart.
Growing
Mulch well before the first winter. Transplanting does not work well with this variety. Plant in any reasonably fertile soil, and pull up plants after flowering if you want to prevent self-sowing. This variety dies back after its decorative seed pods form.