How to Grow Red Cardinal Vines

Cover an ugly fence with quick-growing red cardinal vines. Also known as Cardinal Climbers, the lacy-leaf annual vine produces small, bright red trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. Also known by the scientific name Ipomoea x multifida, red cardinal vines may be grown on a trellis for a bold, colorful landscape feature. Grow the vines in containers with a trellis to provide dappled shade to a patio.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost
• Potting soil
• Towel
• Tweezers
• Nail file
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Select a planting spot that receives full sunlight. Choose an area along a fence or where a trellis may be easily installed. Allow an area at least 1 foot wide to plant the red cardinal vine seed for easy weeding and cultivation throughout the season. For container growing, choose a sunny location on the patio or deck.

2. Turn over the soil in early spring for planting red cardinal directly into the garden or yard. Allow the planting bed to sit until the soil has warmed and the average daytime temperature remains consistently above 60 degrees. For container growing, fill a pot with a 75-to-25 mix of potting soil and compost.

3. Prepare the seeds for planting with a scarify-and-soak process. Tip the seed packet onto a terry cloth towel to keep the seeds from rolling away. Grasp a seed firmly with tweezers and rub a nail file across the seed, pressing firmly, to scar the seed's shell. Place scarified seeds in a bowl and cover with water. Leave the seeds in water overnight, for a minimum of 12 hours.

4. Push the soaked seeds into the prepared soil with your finger to a depth of ½-inch. Space the seeds 2 inches apart. Ensure the seeds are completely covered with fine dirt and tamp down with the palm of your hand.

5. Water the newly planted seeds immediately. Continue watering daily to keep the soil moist until the plants have reached a height of 1 inch. Water every other day until the plants are 4 inches high. Thereafter, water once or twice a week when the top inch of soil becomes dry to the touch.

6. Place a 1-inch layer of composted mulch around the base of the red cardinal vines when they are a foot tall. Replenish the compost layer monthly to provide nourishment and retain moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Red cardinal vine is a natural climber that rarely requires training to attach to a trellis or fence.

References

• North Carolina State University Extension: Ipomoea x multifida
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension: Annual and Perennial Vines

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Add Annual Vines to Your Garden