How to Sprout Moonflower Seeds
Moonflowers (Ipomoea alba) are regarded as perennial vines in more moderate climates, and an annual in colder climates. They are known for being fast-growing vines, which can often achieve heights of 20 to 30 feet in one growing season. Moonflowers have dense heart-shaped leaves, with fragrant flowers that are typically white, and sometimes pink. The name moonflower, refers to the fact that the flowers typically open after dusk. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Moon flowers seeds
- Peat pots
- Seed starting mix
- Trowel or shovel
- Spray bottle
- Garden stakes
- Nail file
Instructions
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Planting Moonflowers in the Ground
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Purchase some moonflower seeds. Decide if you want to wait until spring (after any chance of frost has passed) to plant your moonflowers directly, or if you want to plant them beforehand and have them grow in pots inside your house.
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To plant them outside, decide where you want to plant your moonflower vines. Moonflowers require a trellis, or a fence, for them to climb and grow on. Moonflowers like quick draining soil, which is slightly acidic, right around a pH of 6.1 to 6.5. They need partial to full sunlight.
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Floridadata.com suggests that to increase the germination rate of moonflower seeds, it's best to make a small nick on each seed, and then soak them prior to planting. To nick the seeds, use a nail file to file off a little bit of the seed hull. Place the nicked seeds in a bowl of warm water for approximately 12 hours.
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With your towel or shovel, turn over the soil a few times in the area you want to plant your moonflower seeds. Remove, rocks, sticks, or weeds from the dirt you turn over. Rake the area level and then smooth it. Water the area so the ground is moistened.
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Take 2 to 3 seeds and push them gently into the soil to the dept of approximately 1 inch. Cover each of the holes with 1 inch of dirt. Use a garden stake and stake the area where you planted your moonflower seeds. Then use the spray bottle to carefully water each of the areas where you planted your moonflower seeds.
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Check on the moonflower seeds every day. Germination time for moonflower seeds is generally 1 to 3 weeks. According to Floridadata.com your moonflower seeds should be kept moist until they are sprouted.
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Water your moonflowers often; they like to be kept moist, but not drenched. Remove expired blossoms (referred to as deadheading) and put 2 to 3 inches of mulch around each moonflower. The mulch helps keep moisture in and prevent weeds.
Planting in Peat Pots
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Moonflowers do not take well to being transplanted. If you're going to start them indoors, use peat pots, which you can plant straight into the ground. Fill each peat pot full of seed starting mix. Water from above using spray bottle. Avoid soaking the pot.
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Place two moonflower seeds into the center of each pot. Push into the soil with your fingertip to a depth of approximately 1 inch. Cover the seeds with the seed starting mix.
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Moonflowers require both warmth and light to germinate. Place your peat pots in an area where they will receive both. Check on them several times a day, watering as needed. When the surface of the soil appears dry, give it a light shower with your spray bottle.
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Once your moonflowers have sprouted and have a set of leaves approximately 2 to 3 inches tall, it's time to plant them out into your garden.
Planting Moonflower Seedlings Outdoors
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Digs holes where you want to plant your moonflower seedlings. Holes should be two times the width of each of your peat pots. Fill each hole halfway up with water, and let it drain.
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Place a moonflower seedling into a hole, making sure it's not planted too deep. Level the plant with the level of the ground. Push the soil around your moonflower seedling, firming the dirt as you go. This helps remove air pockets. Water each seedling, making sure not to soak the leaves or stems.
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Place a garden stake near each seedling. You now have succesfully transplanted your moonflower seeds, and are ready to care for them like any other outdoor plant.
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