Does anyone else have a Cup and Saucer vine? I have a question about them. I planted mine from seeds in late Spring. I have them in shade like the package of seed had written on it. They made a beautiful vine (sorry no pic at this time)growing on a trellis but they have never bloomed. I wonder if they will over winter and bloom next Spring? I live in zone 8b. I hope I don't lose them before they bloom. I appreciate any help someone can give me.
I couldn't find out much about the Cup and Saucer Vine Bailey except this: 5) Cobaea scandens (Cathedral Bells, Cup and Saucer Vine) Sweetly scented vine that attaches gently with tendrils. The cups are usually lavender or blue trumpets surround by a saucer or collar of green. They take awhile to start blooming, so it helps to start them early. For some reason, the seeds germinate better when placed on their sides. This makes them less prone to rot. Blue or white flowers. Can reach 20 ft. (Annual) Frost tender. **Info from http://gardening.about.com/od/gardendes ... bers.htm**
Bailey, Down at the bottom of the page is a link to the Plant Search Tool. Enter Cup and Saucer vine (aka Cathedral Bells)Cobaea scandens, then visit Daves Garden. Their site says it needs full sun and bloom time is summer thru mid Autumn. They are a native of Mexico so south Texas is somewhat close to their home environment. The Park Seed website says it is an annual so if it doesn't bloom this fall, you will need to start a new one next spring in a sunnier spot.
Thanks for the info Eileen. The package said to sow on their sides too. They were flat seeds so I guess that's way they could rot easily and they did take quite a few weeks to start poking through the soil. Guess I picked a picky vine. The package showed gorgeous flowers and the photos get me everytime.lol I do hope they come back next year since they will likely die back after our first frost.
Thanks for the info Toni I guess I'll try to get some started early and then transplant them in the Spring. I live in Baytown so I'm actually south east texas forgot the east when I was doing my profile. Sorry guess I need to fix that. I guess I need to try it in the sun next year too. Thanks again Toni.
Well, if it was my vine and it hasn't bloomed and doesn't have flower buds I would cut it back to about a foot tall and cover it with straw and see if it would winter over. Even clear plastic over a frame with straw inside around the roots might help it winter over. Dooley
Thanks Dooley that sounds like a really good idea. I will try that and hopefully it will survive. The vine it's self is really pretty even without blooms and once the vine decided to take off it covered the trellis in no time so it is worth it just for the foliage, but hopefully I will get the gorgeous blooms too next year.
I've grown these from time to time here in zone 7. They need to be started about 6 weeks before last frost as they do take a long season to bloom. They are certainly worth the trouble.
I've never tried that particular vine but I feed my morning glories and sweet peas "Bloom Burst" Seems to work every time! It's a plant food I found at WalMart. My geraniums love it too Deanna :-D
Jubabe has one.It hasn't bloomed either.I called and told her to get on and read this.She has another kidney stones going again say a prayer for her.
