How to Start Moonflowers

Fragrant moonflowers open only at night.

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is a sturdy vine that grows well with very little care and in nearly any soil. The name of the plant is appropriate, due to the pure white flowers that open at dusk and remain open until after the sun comes up. Plant moonflower near a patio so you can enjoy the scent on summer evenings. Moonflower vine is a hardy perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 and above. In cooler climates, moonflower can be planted as an annual. To start moonflowers in your garden, plant seeds in spring after all danger of frost has passed.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Rake
• File or bowl of water
• Garden hose with spray attachment
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Select a sunny or partially sunny spot in your garden. The soil should be well-drained and dry.

2. Spade the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Rake out any weeds, rocks or large dirt clods.

3. Scrape the outer edge of each moonflower seed lightly with a file to penetrate the hard covering. Alternatively, soak the seeds overnight in a bowl of warm water.

4. Scatter moonflower seeds directly on top of the soil. Cover the seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil.

5. Saturate the soil with water immediately after planting. Use a hose with a spray attachment to avoid washing the seeds away. After planting, the vine requires no irrigation.

6. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the moonflower plant. Mulch will deter weeds and keep the vine looking neat and tidy.

References

• University of Illinois: Moon Flower
• Cornell University: Moonflower