Ipomoea quamoclit, commonly known as Cypress Vine, is a fast-growing annual vine with delicate, feathery foliage and star-shaped flowers. It's easy to grow from seed and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
1. Seed Preparation
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Scarification: The hard seed coat benefits from nicking with a knife or rubbing with sandpaper to speed up germination.
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Soaking: Soak the seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before planting.
2. When to Sow
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Direct sowing: After the last frost, when the soil has warmed to 18–24°C (65–75°F).
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Indoor sowing: Start seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost in biodegradable pots to minimize transplant shock.
3. Soil & Location
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Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0).
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Choose a full sun location (at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
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Provide a trellis, fence, or support for climbing.
4. Sowing Depth & Spacing
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Depth: Plant seeds 6 mm (1/4 inch) deep.
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Spacing: Space plants 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) apart.
5. Watering & Care
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Keep soil evenly moist until germination, which takes 7–14 days.
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Once established, Cypress Vine is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering.
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Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen encourages foliage growth over flowers.
6. Growth & Maintenance
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Grows rapidly, reaching 2.5–5 meters (8–15 feet) tall.
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Deadhead flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
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Can self-seed easily—remove unwanted seedlings if needed.
Enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant flowers of Cypress Vine as it quickly covers fences, trellises, and arbors! ??✨