Tropaeolum tricolor

Greenhouse Perennial Climber

• Germination : Challenging
• Aftercare : Particular Care Required
• Ideal for : Borders
• Special Features : Attractive Foliage, Rare
• Height : 5 feet

Description

Highly floriferous when established with fascinating, spur-like blooms of orange-red, edged in maroon/purple and bright yellow petals with evergreen foliage. Might be worth growing in a hanging basket in a conservatory or heated greenhouse.

Sowing Instructions

Sow from February to late June in a good well drained neutral or acid seed compost. Just cover the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Germination takes 21-60 days at 18-20C (65-70F). Sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on cool and well lit. Pot on into 13cm (5in) and finally 20-25cm (8-10in) pots and grow on in a conservatory or greenhouse.

Aftercare

Water sparingly until the plants are growing freely, then water well and feed occasionally. When the foliage turns yellow withhold water, store the pots on their side during the winter at 5-7C (41-50F) and recommence watering when they start to grow again in the spring.