Also known as Monastery Bells, this quick-growing vine has 2" cup-shaped flowers that open to a beautiful pale green and mature to violet purple. Sow near arbors, fences, pergolas, or trellises for a quick easy to grow privacy screen with sweetly scented air.
The gradual change from green to violet is a quite fascinating metamorphosis, encourage children to watch the magic unfold!
Pinch back tips to encourage branching and achieve desired height. Generally pest free. Grown as an annual although perennial in USDA zones 9 and warmer, and can eventually reach 70'. Can be grown in containers.
• Scroll down for detailed growing info •
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• Heirloom
• Organic
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• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
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• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
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• DIRECTIONS •
Hardiness:
Perennial in USDA zones 9 and warmer, otherwise grown as an annual. Established plants will withstand light frost.
Exposure:
Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period:
Midsummer to frost
Plant Dimensions:
24"-36" wide and 10'-70' tall, climbing vine
Variety Info:
2" bell-shaped flowers open pale green and mature to violet purple.
Attributes:
Good for Containers
~ sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperatures are warm.
When to Start Inside:
Recommended in cold climates. 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°-75°F.
Scarification:
While not necessary, I prefer to score the seeds on sandpaper and then soak for a few hours. Make sure to plant seeds vertically (so not flat side on soil).
Days to Emerge:
10–30 days
Seed Depth:
¼"–½"
Seed Spacing:
A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36"
Thinning:
When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 24"–36"
~ growing ~
When large enough to transplant outside, be sure to “harden them off” by gradually exposing the plants to the outdoors over a period of 7 to 10 days. Carefully transplant or thin seedlings to 8" to 12" apart; try to avoid disturbing their root systems.
Plant in full sun and moderately rich, well-draining soil. Keep the seedbed well-watered and well-weeded.
Cathedral Bells will need a solid support from a trellis, fence or netting, which will be covered with bell-shaped, 4" green flowers that mature to deep violet with whimsical, pea-like tendrils. Summer flowering. Height: 10' to 12'.
