Tickweed
Cleome viscosa
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Pl. A592 — Cleome viscosa
Cleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosaCleome viscosa
IOverview
Overview
Tickweed, scientifically known as Cleome viscosa, is a light-loving annual forb or herb that thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers light (sandy) and medium soils. Native to regions such as Afghanistan, Assam, Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, and Cambodia, this plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Tickweed is valued for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where it can serve both ornamental and culinary purposes. Its native range extends across various continents including Asia, Africa, and Australia, showcasing its adaptability to diverse climates.
Quick answers
What is Tickweed?
Tickweed, scientifically known as Cleome viscosa, is a light-loving annual forb or herb that thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers light (sandy) and medium soils. Native to regions such as Afghanistan, Assam, Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, and Cambodia, this plant can grow up to 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tickweed thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium. It can tolerate dry conditions but also grows well in moist environments. This annual plant reaches a height of 1.5 meters and is best suited for subshrub or herb gardens. Propagation is straightforward, with seeds sown directly in the garden once the threat of frost has passed. Given its native range across various temperate to tropical regions, it can be hardy in many temperate areas but may require protection in colder zones.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tickweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Tickweed as an easy-to-grow annual plant, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late spring after the last frost, when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Use well-draining soil; amend if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spaced about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Pinch back shoots to encourage bushiness.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and promote new growth; harvest leaves for cooking when needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia7 regions
native (7)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaIraqLaos
Africa14 regions
native (14)BeninBurkina FasoCabo VerdeCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEgyptEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauMadagascar
Broader regions
native:Lesser Sunda Is., Borneo, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Gulf States, Christmas I., East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · a592564d-e976-44ab-b587-ec84d48d68ba
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