Phaseolus caracalla (Snail Flower)

Vegetable
New

Description

Very striking and unusual, but surprisingly easy to cultivate. Climbing stems produce many curious large snail-like purple and yellow blooms with fragrance. Ideal grown in containers for the conservatory, or can be placed outside during the warmer months.

Sowing Instructions

Prior to sowing, seed should be chiped or soaked in luke warm for 1-2 hours. Sow seed onto the surface of trays filled with a good seed sowing compost. Lightly cover the seed with more compost or fine grade vermiculite so the seed is just covered. Place trays in a heated propagator or a warm place at a temperature of 21-25C (70-75F). Germination usually starts in 14-30 days.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on as required into 13cm (5in) and finally 20cm (8in) pots. Prefers to grow in a well drained compost. In February plants can be potted on into larger pots if required. Provide supports for shoots to twine around. Water Moderately in winter, freely in summer. Grow on the patio in summer then if required cut back in the autumn and move into a frost free conservatory for the rest of the year.