Cup & Saucer Vine scandens

Half-hardy Annual Climber

• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Bedding, Borders
• Special Features : Flowers in 1st Year
• Height : 20 feet

Description

A spectacular climbing plant for the summer garden or the conservatory. This very choice creamy white form of Cathedral Bells or The Cup and Saucer Plant comes from Mexico and quickly grows to cover unsightly areas or a wall outdoors, where it can be treated as a summer annual. Alternatively it may be grown in the heated conservatory or greenhouse, where it will continue to flower for many years. Flowers summer. Climbing Height 3-6 metres (10-20ft).

Sowing Instructions

Soak the seed for 2 hours in lukewarm water before sowing. Sow late winter to early spring at 18-24C (65-75F) in a good seed compost. Sow the seeds on their edge and just cover with compost. Keep soil damp but not wet, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful. Germination usually takes 21-30 days.

Growing Instructions

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions keeping them well watered. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 60cm (24in) apart in a sheltered spot in sun on ordinary well drained soil. For summer flowering under glass, transplant into 20-23cm (8-9in) pots, and keep the atmosphere fairly humid.