Lunaria Violet (Honesty)

Sowing:
In most regions, sow Lunaria seeds outdoors directly in the garden bed in early spring, ideally between March and April. This allows for good root development before the summer heat arrives. In areas with mild winters and late frosts (think coastal regions), you can alternatively sow seeds in early fall (September or October).

Location and Soil:
Lunaria thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages more blooms and better seed pod formation, but some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hot summer regions. Choose a well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with some compost or sand to improve drainage. Lunaria doesn't tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Planting:
Lunaria doesn't transplant well, so sow seeds directly where they will grow. Sow seeds thinly and cover them lightly with soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Care:
Keep the soil moist, especially during germination (usually within 7-14 days). Once established, Lunaria is fairly drought tolerant. Consider adding a light layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Biennial Life Cycle:
Remember, Lunaria is a biennial. It will develop foliage in the first year and then flower and set seed the following year. Don't deadhead the flowers, as the seed pods are the main attraction. After flowering and seed pod formation, the plant will die back in winter. If you want to collect seeds for replanting, do so in the fall before they disperse naturally.