Cleome like hot weather. Perhaps you are planting them too soon? Wait for two or three weeks after your frost date so your soil is warm. Also, be sure to thin them so they have a chance to grow to their fullest potential.

Thanks for your reply. Planting too early may be part of the problem. I wish the local garden centers didn't put their stock out so early in the spring. I will try your suggestion.

I've grown them in a good soil and a more clay mixture soil. They did a lot better in the good soil. This year I'm going to add more compost and manure to the clay mixture. I've learned they don't like to dry out either, so I water them deeply once a week and mulch them.

Kat